SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2026, 5:00 PM Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Garden, 1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara
Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence
Celebrate with a free, family-friendly outdoor concert.
This year, the Prime Time Band presents “Sounds of America,” a musical retrospective featuring classic tunes from pop, rock, musicals, and movies. The performance features a special guest appearance by vocalist Anikka Abbott. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to enjoy this traditional community celebration.
www.pcvf.org
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Takács Quartet: András Fejér Finale
By Kerry Methner / VOICE
ABOW 51 YEARS IN THE MAKING, the Takács Quartet and the Music Academy of the West will honor András Fejér with Takács Quartet: András Fejér Finale at 7:30pm on Saturday, June 27th at the Lobero Theatre.
The all Beethoven program will feature Takács Quartet founding cellist Fejér, along with his three quartet members, violinists Edward Dusinberre and Harumi Rhodes, and violist Richard O’Neill. The special performance will bid the retiring cellist farewell at the close of this season.
One of the hearts of the Takács organization, the Hungarian cellist helped found the group in 1975, when still a student at the Franz Liszt Academy.
“András is foundational, the GOAT in the chamber music pantheon of string quartets,” shared O’Neill, a Music Academy alum and teaching artist in an interview with VOICE. He continued, “There would not be or still be a Takács Quartet if it weren’t for András’ dedication, perseverance, and love of music and this quartet.”
The evening’s program was selected with Fejér and the quartet’s history
in mind. O’Neill recalled, “I once asked András what he does when he is feeling down and he said that he listens to Beethoven’s String Quartet Opus 127. I have since followed that advice. The late Beethoven Quartets alone are reason enough to dedicate one’s life to a string quartet, and it is really meaningful that our final quartet performance with András features music that he has lived for over half a century.”
Over the 51 years since its inception, the Takács Quartet has recorded the entire Beethoven quartet repertoire to great critical acclaim. “The Takács Quartet (far before I joined) contributed to the art of string quartet by their performances and recordings of the Beethoven Quartets. This program which features an early, middle, and late period quartet, captures the heart of the Takács,” O’Neill added.
In residence at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Takács has also been part of the Music Academy’s Chamber music program for two decades. Their annual summer residence here, running the intensive String
Takács Quartet: András Fejér Finale Program
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
String Quartet in G Major, Op. 18, No. 2
BEETHOVEN
String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat Major, Op. 74, “Harp”
BEETHOVEN
String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 131
Takács Quartet: Edward Dusinberre, violin; Harumi Rhodes, violin; Richard O’Neill, viola; András Fejér, cello András Fejér
Quartet Seminar, has become an end-ofseason retreat.
“Having the true luxury of living in Boulder, Colorado, makes time away from home difficult, but after a busy season, it is always so refreshing and lifeaffirming to return to Santa Barbara,” O’Neill shared.
As the quartet gathers for this last summer season with Fejér before fully incorporating their incoming cellist, they are looking to the pivotal role Fejér has played in their music-making and personally.
“András has been our foundation, not just musically, but personally as well,” O’Neill began.
“One of my first presents when I joined the Takács and moved to Boulder was getting all the Takács viola sheet music hand delivered to my house…a collection from all the viola players prior. András took great care of the music, and during several emergency evacuations due to wildfire when I would be
Photo by Amanda Tipton
The Takács Quartet: Edward Dusinberre, Harumi Rhodes, András Fejér, and Richard O’Neill
away in Korea, András would always go to my house and rescue my music…sometimes before even evacuating his own family. I have rarely had that sort of treatment ever in my life, and it is totally András. Selfless - almost egoless. True blue. We will miss him very, very much and wish him well in his retirement.”
Describing his playing, O’Neill shared, “András’ tone is just so, so gorgeous. I mean, it’s really burnished... deep. He is not a flashy player. He doesn’t show off. He makes no physical fuss. He’s very economical with his movements. If you hear what he’s offering, all the
time, it’s just magical. For me, it’s been one of the greatest musical lessons just to be around him. He really shapes things with such understanding and such sensitivity. He gives you the space to build yourself on top of it. And he guides, but it’s just like him, he’s an ego-less player.”
This is also reflected in O’Neill’s comment, “Any time that I thank András for a kind act or helping me out, he says, ‘it’s a team effort.’”
Following the all-Beethoven program, there will be an encore of sorts: Mendelssohn’s Octet, performed with Emerging Artists String Quartet fellows: the Maple Quartet, for a thrilling, nextgeneration sendoff during the Teaching Artist Showcase: Bruch & Mendelssohn on Thursday, July 2nd at 7:30pm.
Takács Quartet: András Fejér Finale is supported by Jill and John Bishop.
Takács Quartet is supported by The Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation.
The Lobero Nights Series is
Also of note in the coming days, the Emerging Artist String Quartet at Music Academy of the West, The Maple Quartet will perform an Emerging Artists String Quartet showcase recital on Tuesday, June 30th at 7:30pm at Hahn Hall. Founded in 2022 at the Eastman School of Music, members include Isabel Chen, Magali Pelletey, John Crowley, and Gabriel Hennebury.
The String Quartet program is endowed by Bob Boghosian and Beth Gates Warren.
The very next evening, Oh Beautiful: Songs from Home will feature The Music Academy’s Lehrer Vocal Institute fellows performing art songs of their native lands, sharing their unique voices, and artistic identity at Hahn Hall on Wednesday, July 1st at 7:30pm.
Oh Beautiful: Songs From Home is supported by Casa Dorinda For tickets and info visit musicacademy.org
supported by the Lobero Theatre’s John C. Mithun Community Access Fund.
Photo courtesy of Music Academy of the West
Photo courtesy ofThe Maple Quartet
‘The missing piece of the puzzle:’ Downtown gets 20 new electric vehicle chargers, reaching toward climate goals
As of 2024, 29.7 percent of new car sales in the City of Santa Barbara were hybrid or battery EVs.
By Sofia Wallace, Santa Barbara News-Press, 6.23.26
APROMINENT DOWNTOWN CORNER has been sustainably repurposed as a new 20-station electric vehicle charging lot.
At the corner of W. Carrillo and Chapala Streets, The Electrify America station will increase charging supply for a region where electric cars are a popular transportation choice. As the city climbs towards its sustainability goal of 45 percent EV adoption by 2035, charging supply must meet increasing demand.
“I think this was a big missing piece of the puzzle,” said Dan Hook, a local EV driver, as he unplugged his Rivian car from one of the chargers before returning to work. “EVs are very popular in this market, Santa Barbara in particular.”
Around 17,500 fully electric cars drive the county’s roads, said Sean McCarthy, climate project manager at the Community Environmental Council. An additional 21,000 hybrid vehicles also contribute to the county’s leading numbers in sustainable transport.
As of 2024, 29.7 percent of new car sales in the City of Santa Barbara were hybrid or battery EVs. This rate is higher
than county, state, and national levels, according to Jefferson Litten, city energy and climate division manager.
The new “Hyper-Fast” chargers are Electrify America’s second station in Santa Barbara, located at 36 West Carrillo Street. The corner was previously a Greyhound Bus stop. A popular MTD bus station sits next to the chargers.
“Having different infrastructure for different types of transit is ideal,” McCarthy said. “That corner has kind of become a transit center.”
For people who are less certain about EVs, whether it be
their dependability or affordability, the new chargers are a step toward accessibility, according to McCarthy. For disadvantaged communities and low-income families, EV prices and infrastructure aren’t always in their reach.
The Community Environmental Council provides technical assistance in both Spanish and English, and educates low-income families on what financial incentives they qualify for. According to Litten, 20 percent of Santa Barbara Clean Energy – a city-run electricity provider – customers who received EV related rebates are qualified for even bigger deductions.
The new stations on Carrillo Street are Electrify America’s largest public energy storage system to date. The system’s batteries collect and store solar energy during low-usage times. During times of high demand, the batteries release energy. This process maximizes use of renewable energy, according to an Electrify America Press Release.
The press release also discussed the burden of soaring gas prices on families, with EVs being a potential way to cut these costs. Gas not only costs dollars, but clean air, too. The city’s climate action plan, adopted in 2024, aims to increase zeroemission vehicle use adoption to 55 percent by 2035.
“If a gas station is a good use of space, then an electric vehicle charger station is definitely a good use of space,” McCarthy said. Printed with permission of the Santa Barbara News-Press
• newspress.com
Photo by Sofia Wallace / Santa Barbara News-Press
20 Hyper-Fast Electrify America chargers are available at 36 W Carrillo Street
Low Tide Stearns Wharf by Ray Hunter
Community Calendar
The Makarines
EXPERIENCE AN INTIMATE NIGHT OF FUSION STYLE FLAMENCO when Flamenco Arts Festival presents The Makarines. The singing and multi-instrumental duo José and Maka Ibáñez, joined by vocalist Aria Fernandez, return to Santa Barbara for the first time since 2013 to perform rich and refreshingly modern flamenco rhythms layered with vocals at 7:30pm in Center Stage Theater on Tuesday, June 30th. For tickets ($30-60) visit centerstagetheater.org
Friday 6/26
CHILDREN
Read with a Dog • Children practice reading • Central Library • Free • 3:30-4:30pm Fr.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS
Finish Up Friday • Complete Creative Mornings • Gathering for creatives to talk, unify and grow • EE Makerspace • Free, registration recommended • exploreecology.org • 9-10am Fr, 6/26.
Creative Mornings • Gathering for creatives to talk, unify and grow • EE Makerspace • Free, registration recommended • exploreecology.org • 9-10am Fr, 6/26.
Dinosaur Safari • Interactive talk and guided tour • Prehistoric Forest, SB Museum of Natural History • Included with admission • 1:30-2pm every Mon & Fri through 8/21.
New York’s Wine & Opera Festival • live opera performances, wine tastings, education, and community involvement • La Cumbre Center for Creative Arts • $65 • wineandoperafestival.com • 5-8pm Fr, 6/26.
Summer Solstice Workshop • Volunteer to ready floats, costumes, and more leading up to Summer Solstice • Community Arts Workshop • solsticeparade.com • Through 6/20.
• All ages, free w/admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.
COMEDY
Steven Lolli • Santa Barbara Saturday Night Live Comedy • SB Comedy Club Speakeasy Comedy Bar • $20 • sbcomedyclub.com • 7-9pm Sa, 6/27.
South Coast Stand-Up Comedy
• Featuring Jay Lamont, Jamie Kaler, and Brandon Vestal • Alcazar Theatre • $15-20 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Sa, 6/27.
DANCE
Dance Me a Story • Westside Dance’s production featuring scenes from different storybooks
• Marjorie Luke Theatre • Free • luketheatre.org • 4pm Sa, 6/27.
Series 7: Go for Broke! 2026
• The Dance Network’s junior show featuring tap, hip hop, jazz, ballroom, contemporary, and more
• Center Stage Theater • $20-30 • centerstagetheater.org • 2:30pm Sa, 6/27.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS
Garden Dreaming Workshop
• Discuss garden goals and create vision boards • Central Library, Michael Towbes Lower Plaza • Free, registration required • calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 2pm Sa, 6/27.
Santa Barbara Go Club • All levels welcome to learn this ancient game • Free • Mosaic Locale, 1131 State St • 805-448-5335 • 11am-3pm Sa.
MUSIC
Soul Kool • R&B, oldies, classic rock, country and more • Chumash Casino Resort • Free • 8pm Sa, 6/27.
Cuyama Mama and the Hot Flashes • Desert dance music • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:304:30pm Sa, 6/27.
Which One’s Pink • Pink Floyd tribute band • SOhO • $27 • sohosb. com • 9pm Sa, 6/27.
Takács Quartet • Celebration of cellist András Fejér’s final performance with the quartet • presented by Music Academy of the West • Lobero Theatre • $65-125 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Sa, 6/27.
Concerts in the Park ~ The New Vibe
ENJOY FREE LIVE MUSIC UNDER THE OPEN SKY when local bands take the stage at Chase Palm Park’s Great Meadow every Thursday in July for an evening concert. Each week will feature a different musical act from 6 to 7:30pm, but attendees may begin setting up blankets and chairs as early as 10:30am. Kicking off the series on July 2nd is The New Vibe, a funk band with a hip-hop twist, followed by Jason Libs and The Liberation on July 9th, The Mighty Cash Cats on July 16th, and Spencer The Gardner on July 23rd. Pack a picnic and prepare to bask in music ranging from surf rock to pop at this beloved summer tradition. For info visit sbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov
OUTDOORS
Architectural Walking Tour
• History of buildings in SB • City Hall steps at De la Guerra Plaza • $20 • afsb.org • 10am, Sat.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Fiesta Fashion Sale • Discover clothes and accessories to get Fiesta ready • Santa Barbara Carriage & Western Art Museum • 9am-2pm Sa, 6/27.
2026 SYV Polo Classic •
Benefiting Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People, featuring tented seating, polo matches, ranch style BBQ lunch and Happy Canyon Vineyard wines • Happy Canyon Vineyard & Piocho Ranch • $35125 • happycanyonvineyard.com • 11am-3pm Sa, 6/27.
Santa Barbara Lavender Festival • Shopping, entertainment, food and a beer garden • SBCC West Campus • 11am-5pm Sa, 6/27.
Carpinteria Arts & Crafts Faire • Local artists and vendors and live music • The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, Koch
Courtyard • Free • 10am-4pm Sa, 6/27.
SB Wine Festival • Museum fundraiser featuring wineries and food purveyors • SB Museum of Natural History • $135-180 • sbnature.org • 2-5pm Sa, 6/27.
Sunday 6/28
CHILDREN
Storytime @ the Sea Center
• All ages • Free w/ admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.
Pollinator Palooza • Learn about local pollinators through guided nature walks and pollinator themed crafts and activities • Arroyo Burro Open Space • Free • 10am-12pm Su, 6/28.
Sundays at the Ranch • Fun for the family. Enjoy barn animals and tractor rides • Stow House, 304 N Los Carneros Rd • Free • goletahistory.org • 11am-2pm Sun.
Photo courtesy of Flamenko Arts Festival
Photo Courtesy of The New Vibe
Theatre
Company • Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy about a long-time bachelor contemplating marriage • Ojai Art Center • $30 • ojaiact.org • through 7/12.
Come From Away • Musical about the Newfoundland town that took in strangers during 9/11 • PCPA, Solvang Festival Theater • pcpa.org • through 6/27.
The Lightning Thief • The Percy Jackson Musical presented by Young Actors Ensemble and Performance Company • Matilija Aud • $16-22 • oyespresents.org • through Su, 6/28.
Finding Nemo Kids • Stage adaption of the Pixar film • Rubicon Theatre • $17-21 • rubicontheatre.org • 11am Su, 6/28.
Luchadora! • The legend of Mulan reimagined in the world of Mexican wrestling, written by Alvaro Saar Rios • Marian Theatre • $25-51 • pcpa.org • through Fr, 7/3.
Frozen • The Broadway Musical adaption of Disney’s animated film • Solvang Festival Theatre • $25 • pcpa.org • 8pm Su, 7/5 through 8/2.
Knit ‘n’ Needle • Fiber arts club • Montecito Library • Free • 2pm Th.
Nearly 70 Years of Experience
MUSIC
The New Vibe • Funk with a hip hop twist • The Great Meadow in Chase Palm Park • Free • calendar. santabarbaraca.gov • 6-7:30pm Th, 7/2.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Love Island • Watch party and speed dating night, followed by a cocktail hour • SOhO • $5 • sohosb. com • 6-8:30pm Th, 7/2.
Friday 7/3
CHILDREN
Read with a Dog • Children practice reading to a furry friend • Central Library • Free • 3:304:30pm Fr.
DANCE
Dance Camp Workshop
Performance • Performance of Peter and the Wolf presented by Goleta School of Ballet • Center Stage Theater • $24-29 • centerstagetheater.org • 7pm Fr, 7/3.
• All ages, free w/admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.
MUSIC
Jim Rankin • Guitarist and vocalist • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Sa, 7/4.
Sounds of America • Fourth of July concert presented by the PrimeTime Band and featuring vocalist Anikka Abbott • Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens • Free • 5-8pm Sa, 7/4.
Fourth of July Celebration • Van Halen rock tribute • Alcazar Theatre • $30-40 • thealcazar.org • 7-10pm Sa, 7/4.
OUTDOORS
Architectural Walking Tour
• History of buildings in SB • City Hall steps at De la Guerra Plaza • $20 • afsb.org • 10am, Sat.
SPECIAL EVENTS
SBMAL Open House • Come see treasures from the SBMAL collection and get a tour of the archive-library • Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library • Free • 9:30am-12:30pm Sa, 7/4.
The Village Fourth • Parade
Opening Event
• Montecito Upper Village • 11:30am-2pm Sa, 7/4.
Fourth of July Daytime
Gathering at Hotel California
• Live music by Rudy Love, grill station and curated artisan market
• Hotel California, Court of Califia Lawn • Free • hotelcalifornian. ticketsauce.com •2-6pm Sa, 7/4
Fourth of July Night at Hotel California • Featuring DJ ValMar Records at Mirador Rooftop and Rudy Love at Serena Rooftop, with bites and drinks • Hotel California
• $25-50 • hotelcalifornian. ticketsauce.com • 7-9pm Sa, 7/4
Fourth of July Celebration
• A day of live music and dance performances hosted by the City’s Waterfront and Parks and Recreation Departments • West Beach • Free • 11am-9:30pm Sa, 7/4.
Sunday 7/5
CHILDREN
Storytime @ the Sea Center
• All ages • Free w/ admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.
Sundays at the Ranch • Fun for the family. Enjoy barn animals and tractor rides • Stow House, 304 N Los Carneros Rd • Free • goletahistory.org • 11am-2pm Sun.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS
Alisha Das • Discusses her novel Your Angelic Ancestry • Godmothers Books • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Su, 7/5.
Butterfly Pinning with a Curator • Hands-on workshop prepping insects for scientific or hobbyist collecting • SB Museum of Natural History, Broder Patio • $50-60 • sbnature.org • 11am-12pm Su, 7/5.
MUSIC
Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan
• Blend of guitar and harmonica blues, rags, and good time music • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:304:30pm Su, 7/5.
OUTDOORS
July 5th Beach Cleanup • Volunteer to help clean Leadbetter Beach, West Beach, and East Beach
• Registration required • calendar. santabarbaraca.gov • 9-11am Su, 7/5.
Sunday Architecture Tour • Meet at Public Library Plaza at 40 E Anapamu St • Architectural Fdn of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.
Stars Stripes & Santa Barbara County
CELEBRATE THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA when Santa Barbara County offers a collection of community events from Goleta to Montecito throughout the week of the Fourth. Take your pick of celebrations spanning beachfront bashes, Rooftop parties, rock and roll concerts, and parades.
Jump into festivities on July 1st with the Santa Barbara Historical Museum’s Independence Day exhibition and concert by local Americana favorites The DoubleWide Kings, then top off the fun on July 4th with the Village Fourth Parade in Montecito or live music and dance at Santa Barbara’s West and East Beaches. Finally, finish the night with fireworks and friends at a rooftop bar or in the Alcazar Theatre for a rockin’ Van Halen tribute or at the Santa Barbara Harbor.
Whether it’s family activities or fun with friends, Santa Barbara offers no shortage of patriotic parties and gatherings to honor 250 years of our beloved nation.
4th of July Listings
Double Wide Kings • Independence Day acoustic rock and Americana concert with a pop-up art exhibition • SB Historical Museum • $45 • sbhistorical.org • 6:30pm We, 7/1.
4th July Canary Cookout • rooftop-style with BBQ, bar, DJ beats and fireworks viewing • Canary Hotel • $30-40 • canarysantabarbara.com • 6-10pm Sa, 7/4.
The 52nd Old Fashioned 4th of July • Kids activities, vendors, food trucks, tractor rides and more presented by The Goleta Valley Historical Society • Rancho La Patera & Stow House • $12 • goletahistory.org • 11am4pm 7/4.
Sounds of America • Fourth of July concert presented by the PrimeTime Band and featuring vocalist Anikka Abbott • Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens • Free • 5-8pm Sa, 7/4.
Fourth of July Celebration • Van Halen rock tribute • Alcazar Theatre • $30-40 • thealcazar.org • 7-10pm Sa, 7/4.
The Village Fourth • Parade Opening Event • Montecito Upper Village • 11:30am-2pm Sa, 7/4.
Fourth of July Daytime Gathering at Hotel California • Live music by Rudy Love, grill station and curated artisan market • Hotel California, Court of Califia Lawn • Free • hotelcalifornian.ticketsauce.com •2-6pm Sa, 7/4
Fourth of July Night at Hotel California • Featuring DJ ValMar Records at Mirador Rooftop and Rudy Love at Serena Rooftop, with bites and drinks • Hotel California • $25-50 • hotelcalifornian.ticketsauce.com • 7-9pm Sa, 7/4
Fourth of July Celebration • A day of live music and dance performances hosted by the City’s Waterfront and Parks and Recreation Departments • West Beach • Free • 11am-9:30pm Sa, 7/4.
By Robert F. Adams, Special to VOICE
CONFIDENT
MASTERS
OF MUSIC MAKING entranced the Hahn Hall audience for the opening concert of this summer’s Music Academy of the West on June 17th. The event was The Teaching Artist Showcase featuring some of the faculty who will head up the classes and workshops. Their performances ranged from solos to intimate ensembles. At the outset CEO Shawna Quill who was visibly excited to launch, said it will be “a wonderful season and we especially welcome these inspiring musicians along with the students here who are part of the High School Intensive now in the audience.” The concert offered variety and
intriguing compositions, mainly drawn from composers who are breaking the musical rules with contemporary works.
The first movement of Edgar Meyer’s Concert Duo for Violin and Bass was played by the energetic violinist Rebecca Reale accompanied by double-bassist Scott Pringel. The selection was brief and demonstrative of solid experience, offering exciting swoops and rifts from Meyer’s delicate work. Shades of jazz and bluegrass flavored the notes, in this work that was launched at the world premiere in the summer of 2012 with Joshua Bell at the Tanglewood Music Festival. Meyer is Grammy-award winning innovator who is also in demand as a bassist, often playing at top-tier summer music festivals including including the Music Academy of the West and The Aspen Music Festival.
The evening continued with the arrival of collabortive pianist Conor Hanick, who played two solo selections from California composer John Adams. He also include Song Without Words from Visions Fugitives (only the second time ever played for an audience), and China Gates. The musical adjacency was mesmerizing and propulsive, and the wistful rhythms were a highlight of the evening’s performances.
John Adams is a leading light of contemporary works having an impact
that is best experienced in person at the hands of a magician-pianist such as Hanick. Hanick is also a key artistic advisor on the content and programming for this year’s American Mosaic theme.
Following this, the award winning violinist Yura Lee performed Arvo Pärt’s Fratres alongside Hanick. Fratres revealed the Estonian composer’s minimalist hues employing a mesmerizing combination with frantic and sublte tempos. The virtuosic intensity from Lee was both precise and freewheeling, almost improvisational at points. The first act concluded with Lee’s wildly animated solo violin rendition of Eugène Ysaÿ's composition Violin Sonata No. 5 in G Major, Op. 27 from 1923.
After intermission, percussionist and snare drummer Michael Werner prefaced contemporary composer Casey Cangelosi’s Tap Oratory with a discussion of the complicated and annotated score of the work. This opening selection was elegantly performed along with the magic tricks
TBy Mark Whitehurst / VOICE
OUCHING EVERY FIBER WITH THE URGE TO MOVE and engage the music, the world renowned and GRAMMY®-winning ARKAI duo created earth shaking music on the Hahn Hall stage last Friday. Once again, during the first week of the Summer Music Festival, the Music Academy of the West hosted best in their field musicians, violinist Jonathan Miron (2017 Musi Academy Alum) and cellist Philip Sheegog of the electroacoustic duo ARKAI.
Sonic, electrifying music arising from their deep roots in classical music and training, ARKAI, fresh off a NBA half time performance that rocked and impressed millions of viewers, performed a program of their compositions and arrangements using new technology with exceptional virtuosity. That talent was recently rewarded with a Best Contemporary Instrumental Album GRAMMY.®
The audience was awe-struck and riveted with the opening composition Sun Drifter. The song is filled with counterpoint and they physically looked inward, playing while moving toward and away from each other in a kind of dance that successfully added depth and gravitas to the music. It felt like an archetypal rock move on the classical music stage – a dynamic and theatrical way to present music rippling with multiple genres.
The duo used their instruments to create unique sounds and effects by rhythmically tapping their instruments (at one point with credit cards!), then grating their bows on the strings and plucking at the same time, all interspersed with harmonic riffs.
Both Jonathan and Philip began their careers studying classical music and are graduates of The Juilliard School, where they met at a jam session and began working together about seven years ago. They write, produce, and mix, songs and videos together. Their album Brightside received a GRAMMY® last year.
Among the pieces in the program, they played their arrangement of Sounds of Silence, originally written by Paul Simon. Their interpretation was seismically different and sensational.
Recently, the duo has been writing larger compositions, “Behemoth odes to the human experience,” commented Philip as he described their Symphon X, which they performed in three parts.
The last song of the evening involved audience participation in the form of humming, rhythmic humming, and clapping. The unison work between the duo and audience was a fitting end to a fabulous and genre-defying musical experience.
arkaimusic.com | musicacademy.org
of Werner flipping the drumsticks into the air and catching them perfectly. The affect was otherworldly and almost impossible to believe, and only possible due to Werner’s expertise and precise interpretation of the rhythmic set piece.
The evening concluded with an exquiste trio of brass musicians which included Michelle Reed Baker on horn, Kenneth Thompkins on trombone, and Jennifer Marotta on trumpet playing Czech-American composer Václav Nelhýbel’s Trio for Brass in three short showcasing movements.
Rebecca Reale and Conor Hanick finalized the concert with the mysterious Romanian Folk Dances from Béla Bartók, appealing in variety and intensity much to the delight of the audience.
A fitting and exciting opener, kudos go to the artists and staff as well as the evening’s sponsor, the Covenant Living community at the Samarkand.
Discover upcoming summer concerts and events at: musicacademy.org
A Concert of Subtle Muscianship: Opening Night of the American Mosaic ARKAI Played Musical Thunder at Hahn Hall
Photos by Phil Channing
Photo by Phil Channing
Michael Werner
Rebecca Reale and Conor Hanick
Cinema
American Graffiti
American Graffiti, George Lucas’ coming of age comedy-drama based on his own adolescent years, follows a friend group of high school graduates in the summer of 1962 as they cruise the streets of their small town on their last night of freedom before adulthood. Wear your best retro outfits to the Alcazar Theatre at 7pm on Friday, June 26th. For tickets ($7-10) visit thealcazar.org
CINEMA EVENTS
American Graffiti
• A group of recent high school graduates in 1962 spend the last night of summer cruising their small central valley town • Alcazar Theatre • $7-10 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Fr, 6/26.
Green Film Series: Living Wine • Film about natural winemakers in Northern California during wildfire season, post screening wine tasting at Arnoldi’s • Marjorie Luke Theatre • $1040 • luketheatre.org • 2pm Su, 6/28. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs • Animated comedy about a scientist that creates food weather • Camino Real Cinemas • $2 • metrotheatres.com • 10am We, 7/1.
American Graffiti poster
Community News
Boys & Girls Club of SB Seeks Community Support to Upgrade Computers
TO HELP FUND NEW COMPUTERS FOR HUNDREDS OF LOCAL
YOUTH, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara’s Downtown Club is calling on community members for financial support. Many Club members depend on the Downtown Club’s computers for homework, school projects, college preparation, job applications, and digital learning opportunities. Club leaders say updated systems are essential to ensuring local youth have access to the technology skills needed to succeed in today’s world.
“When I first took over leadership, this building was nearly empty,” said Mark Alvarado, Executive Director of the Downtown Club. “Today, we serve more than 200 young people every year. The need has grown tremendously, and our kids deserve access to reliable technology that supports their education and future.”
Community members can help support the computer lab initiative by making a donation online at boysandgirlssb.org/donate
bioProtonics, Inc. Appoints New CEO
A. BURTON TRIPATHI, PhD, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of bioProtonics, an innovator in advanced medical imaging platforms and proprietary Magnetic Resonance Histology technology. This is Dr. Tripathi’s fourth role leading as a CEO. His executive experience includes two exits in MedTech, spanning strategic innovation, product management, and the commercialization of disruptive technologies. He will guide bioProtonics through its next phase of growth as the company prepares to validate its proprietary imaging solutions in the clinical setting. bioProtonics has completed an initial closing of bridge financing, positioning it for accelerated clinical development. bioprotonics.com
Organic Soup Kitchen Highlights Growing Nutritional Insecurity Crisis in SB County
FIGHTING AGAINST FOOD INSECURITY
SB Mental Wellness Center Announces Two Senior Leadership Promotions
REFLECTING A COMMITMENT TO EXPERIENCED, MISSION-DRIVEN
LEADERSHIP, the Santa Barbara Mental Wellness Center has announced the promotions of Gabriela Dodson, LCSW, MSW, to Chief Program Officer and Liat Wasserman, MA, MSW, to Chief Development Officer. mentalwellnesscenter.org
GABRIELA DODSON, who previously served as Director of Wellness & Recovery, brings more than 30 years of experience in the mental health field. Her career has been distinguished by clinical excellence, compassionate leadership, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the communities she serves. In her new role as Chief Program Officer, she will oversee Mental Wellness Center’s programs and services, including the Fellowship Club, Family Services, School-Based and Community Education Programs, and Housing & Residential Services.
LIAT WASSERMAN, who has served for the past four years as Director of Development & Communications, has played an instrumental role in strengthening community engagement, expanding philanthropic support, and elevating awareness of the Mental Wellness Center’s mission and impact. As Chief Development Officer, she will lead a comprehensive advancement strategy to support the organization’s long-term sustainability and growth.
Goleta Citywide Traffic Signal Upgrade Project Begins at Over 30 Intersections
BETTER SAFETY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND OVERALL TRAFFIC OPERATIONS are in the works as Goleta’s Citywide Traffic Signal Upgrade Project started construction this week. The project will upgrade signal equipment at more than 30 intersections throughout Goleta, including pedestrian push buttons and other traffic signal components. Impacted intersections include Hollister Ave. at Ellwood School, Cathedral Oaks Rd. at Alameda Ave., Calle Real at Kellogg Ave, and others. A complete map and list is available on the City of Goleta website.
Construction is anticipated to continue through August 2026. Work will take place Monday through Friday between 8am and 6pm. Large intersection signal improvements are scheduled for night work between 8pm and 6am to reduce impacts to businesses and traffic flow. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained and parking restrictions will be posted in advance where necessary.
View a map of impacted intersections at cityofgoleta.org
Registration Open for Goleta’s Community Emergency Response Team Class
AND MALNUTRITION, the Organic Soup Kitchen is continuing to provide medicallytailored SoupMeals to low-income seniors, cancer patients, and chronically ill residents throughout Santa Barbara County. The work is vital as rising inflation, housing costs, and healthcare expenses are pushing more residents into nutritional insecurity. While the organization continues to operate programs such as the Cencal Medically Tailored Meals Program and the Nutrition and Food Security Program for qualifying low-income residents, the growing demand has made it so there is a constant waiting list for these initiatives. Community members can support Organic Soup Kitchen by donating, volunteering, or purchasing soups directly from the organization’s Distribution Center, where proceeds help fund medically tailored meal programs for residents in need. organicsoupkitchen.org
DESIGNED TO EMPOWER RESIDENTS with essential skills and knowledge to prepare themselves, their families, and the community for emergencies and disasters, the City of Goleta’s next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Course will be held on Monday evenings, 5:30 to 8:30pm from August 3rd to October 12th. Registration is now open and participation is free. Offered nationwide, the CERT class helps prepare participants for responding and recovering from emergencies. Participants must be able to attend all eight classes and be at least 18 years of age. Meetings will be held at the Goleta Community Center.
To register or learn more visit cityofgoleta.org or email ESD.Training@cityofgoleta.gov
To have your news included in VOICE Magazine, please email information to writer@voicesb.com
Gabriela Dodson
Liat Wasserman
A. Burton Tripathi
Grand Jury
Grand
Jury Calls For Action To Reduce School Bullying
STUDENT
BULLYING HAS BEEN A CHRONIC PROBLEM in some Santa Barbara County public schools for many years. It arises from a range of social and developmental factors, including students’ desire for attention or status, peer pressure, and unresolved emotional challenges.
The Santa Barbara Grand Jury’s analysis of countywide school data indicates that the prevalence and impact of bullying vary based on the community’s socioeconomic conditions, race, gender, ethnicity, and the presence of gang activity. While most school administrators are aware of bullying-related challenges and have implemented strategies to address them, the effectiveness of these efforts has been inconsistent.
Based on its analysis of interviews conducted of school administrators and counselors, hundreds of pages of documents produced by the schools, and federal and state laws, the Grand Jury finds that: Bullying on county school campuses can be reduced by implementing additional safety measures; Administrators do not consistently inform school counselors when students under their guidance engage in bullying; Parent
participation in outreach programs for bullying has been poor.
Some school administrators continue to struggle with preventing and responding to bullying, resulting in unsafe and unhealthy learning environments. These schools require increased oversight, targeted support, and additional resources to ensure student safety and well-being. To that end, the Grand Jury recommends that schools: Increase staff presence in areas where students congregate before, during, and after school; Have sufficient video in order to monitor where students congregate before, during, and after school; Add more counselors when the student-to-counselor ratio exceeds 250:1 ; Inform school counselors whenever students under their guidance engage in bullying; Schedule parent outreach programs regarding bullying on evenings, weekends, and online to accommodate working parents; Encourage parents of students who have engaged in repeated acts of bullying to attend training programs; Include nonmonetary incentives to encourage parents to attend outreach programs.
See the full report at: sbcgj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bullying.pdf
Grand Jury Calls For Enforcement Of The City Of Santa Barbara Gas Leaf Blower Ordinance
IN 1997, CITY OF SANTA BARBARA RESIDENTS TOOK A CLEAR stand by passing a ballot measure banning gasolinepowered leaf blowers within city limits. This voter-approved mandate reflected a clear community concern, yet decades later, it remains widely disregarded. Gas blowers generate significant noise and air pollution, posing adverse health effects for both users and bystanders, while also creating an ongoing nuisance for the community. Under the City of Santa Barbara Municipal Code, gasolinepowered leaf blowers are illegal to operate within the City, with additional restrictions on electric leaf blower use, including noise limits, hours of operation, Sunday and holiday restrictions, and certification requirements.
The Santa Barbara County Grand Jury found that enforcement of the City Code relating to leaf blower usage is
insufficient. Despite citizen complaints, use of these illegal gas blowers within the City continues to this day by both City staff and other operators, including City contractors and residents. Furthermore, the Grand Jury has identified City departments failing to meet their legal obligations to enforce the City Code. Despite this clear voter-passed mandate, lack of meaningful enforcement has nullified the will of the voters.
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara City Council ensure the City’s gas-powered leaf blower ban is fully implemented and enforced. This includes directing City departments to enforce the City Code, establish a consistent process for responding to violations, enforcing compliance in City operations, and making leaf blower guidelines accessible to the public and affected businesses.
The Santa Barbara County Grand Jury consists of 19 volunteers from across the County who serve for a one-year term. The Grand Jury is a division of the Superior Court that keeps watch over numerous government agencies, cities and districts throughout Santa Barbara County. It encourages the public to share concerns athttps://sbcgj.org, This website also lists of qualifications for Grand Jury service, encourages applications, and contains Grand Jury reports.
America the Beautiful
DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS FLAG?
Unbelievably but this is our American flag that is barely still waving alongside the Southbound Rincon California coastline. I pass it every day as I make my way towards Ventura and each time, a little more of the flag is missing and each time a little piece of my heart goes with it. This flag represents how our country looks and feels right now, worn and torn.
There are disputes between the right and the left side of politics that it is hard to recognize America at this time in history. What happened to standing together as one nation and holding the belief system that we all believe in a democratic republic form of government? Both political parties need to remember that we all stand for America’s core values of justice and fairness and that fighting among ourselves is the fastest way to destroy what makes America so beautiful and that my friend is that we live in the land of the free!
With our upcoming July 4th celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary let us remember that we are all Americans that need to stand together as “one Nation under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
- Marie Branden, SB
A Guilty to Murder Plea in a Fatal Crash on Hwy 101
PLEADING GUILTY TO A FELONY COUNT OF MURDER, Kendra Cordova, 34, was convicted for an incident where she was driving impaired when a crash took the life of Alma Alcorta Lazaro on September 8th, 2024, according to Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch, in an announcement this week.
Cordova is scheduled to be sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison on August 4, 2026, in Department 7 of the Santa Maria Superior Court before the Honorable Stephen Dunkle. She will remain in custody without bail pending sentencing.
“This resolution is the result of the dedication and teamwork of many individuals committed to seeking justice,” said District Attorney Savrnoch. “Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitmore’s outstanding advocacy, Investigator Parmelee’s diligent investigative work, the leadership and support of Commander Huffman and Senior Investigator Ellis, Victim Witness Advocate Cortez’s unwavering support for the victim’s family, and the exceptional efforts of CHP Sergeant Youngblood and CHP Officer Traughber were all instrumental in achieving this outcome.”
Call for Entries for Design Awards
THE SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS is accepting submissions for the AIASB 2026 Design Awards, aimed to recognize individual architects and architectural firms who have made a substantial contribution in the field of architecture in the Santa Barbara region and around the world. AIASB.com
Police Blotter
Photo by Marie Branden
Stars, Stripes & Santa Barbara W
AVING THE AMERICAN FLAG AND REVIEWING HISTORIC SNAP SHOTS
of Santa Barbara’s 4th of July memories will be one way to celebrate this year’s 4th at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum hosts a popup, “Stars, Stripes & Santa Barbara, focusing on the Independence Day holiday.
The four day event will featuring a benefit concert by local favorite, the Doublewide Kings, and a pop-up exhibition of photographs of summers past from the recently acquired archives of the Santa Barbara News-Press.
“We want to capture the sun-soaked spirit, community pride, and allAmerican energy that make Santa Barbara summers unforgettable. With their love of acoustic roots, Americana traditions, and iconic rock ‘n’ roll, the Doublewide Kings are the perfect soundtrack to open the exhibition of these nostalgic images,” said Dacia Harwood, the Museum’s executive director. “This pop-up is another way we’re keeping our community’s treasured memories alive, and the benefit concert will support ongoing preservation of the News-Press archives so future generations can access and enjoy them.”
The concert will be held in the museum courtyard at 6:30pm on Wednesday, July 1st.
Tickets to the concert are $55 for general admission and $45 for museum members. Reserved VIP tables range from $450 to $2,500. Tickets and information are available at sbhistorical.org
The pop-up exhibition is open to the public July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th; the museum is closed on July 4th. Displayed in the courtyard, it features black-andwhite photographs taken by Santa Barbara News-Press photographers from 1955 through the 1980s including Steve Malone, Len Wood, and Bob Ponce.
The pop-up exhibit includes images of fireworks lighting up the harbor, July 4th parades along State Street, the Old Mission Art Festival, beach barbecues, sparklers, and gatherings at “The Pits” at Leadbetter Beach.
Additional images will be shared on the museum’s social media channels at www.facebook.com/ SantaBarbaraMuseum and www. instagram.com/sbhistoricalmuseum. Museum admission is free.
The Doublewide Kings capture the spirit of rock and roll with highenergy performances of original works and signature twists on classic 1970s-era songs by The Allman Brothers Band; Van Morrison; Neil Young; Creedence Clearwater Revival; Crosby, Stills and Nash; Grateful Dead; and more. They perform throughout the region, including an ongoing collaboration with the Santa Barbara Symphony.
The five-member Santa Barbara-based band is comprised of Palmer Jackson Jr., Cord Pereira, Robert Teneyck, Charlie Crisafulli, and John Simpson.
The News-Press physical archives
The museum has hosted two previous exhibitions featuring materials from the News-Press archives, including last year’s Project Fiesta! and a popup in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. A section of this year’s “The Gift: New Additions to Our Story” also had images by News-Press photographers.
The museum recently purchased the physical
News-Press archives, preserving more than 150 years of local stories and approximately one million photographs documenting the community. They also include bound volumes, microfilm, and photo files dating back to the 19th century. Those materials filled more than 1,500 boxes and are now integrated into the museum’s Gledhill Library.
The museum has also partnered with Newspapers.com to digitize and make available the most recent 53 years of the daily editions of the News-Press.
The archive acquisition was made possible through the leadership of museum trustees and the generosity of hundreds of supporters.
Old Mission Art Festival, 1983. Photo by Santa Barbara News-Press photographer Bob Ponce.
Firetruck in State Street Independence Day Parade, 1983. Photo by Santa Barbara News-Press photographer Bob Ponce.
Military in State Street Independence Day Parade, c. 1985. Photo by Santa Barbara News-Press photographer Steve Malone.
Tracy Smith Sunglasses reflect Old Glory at Leadbetter Beach, 1987.
Photo by Santa Barbara News-Press photographer Steve Malone
Tracy Smith, Mary Johns, and Cari J. Weir, at Leadbetter Beach, 1987.
Photo by Santa Barbara News-Press photographer Steve Malone
Fireworks above La Playa Stadium, 1984. Photo by Santa Barbara News-Press photographer Len Wood.
Theresa Briley as Lady Liberty in State Street Independence Day Parade, 1986. Photo by Santa Barbara NewsPress photographer Vic Mitten.
Photos Courtesy of Gledhill Library Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Fiesta Ranchera Celebrated at Stowe House in Goleta
FLAMENCO DANCING and music fanned the flames and delights of Fiesta, as more than 400 attendees gathered at the historic Stow House on Thursday evening for Fiesta Ranchera 2026, bringing the spirit, traditions, and entertainment of Old Spanish Days to the Goleta community.
This year’s El Presidente, Colin Hayward, welcomed guests on behalf of Old Spanish Days and recognized special participants, including 2026 Spirit of Fiesta Jenna Ramirez and 2026 Junior Spirit of Fiesta Penny Hernandez. Their performances delighted the crowd and highlighted the music, dance, and cultural traditions that make Fiesta such a cherished celebration.
The event showcased the strong partnership between Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara and the Goleta Valley Historical Society, whose collaboration continues to make Fiesta Ranchera a favorite tradition for residents and visitors alike.
A longtime Fiesta tradition, Fiesta at the Stow House was first held at the Stow House in 1968 and continued through 1970. The event returned in 2008 as Fiesta Ranchera when El Presidente Tim Taylor sought to bring Old Spanish Days celebrations back to Goleta, where it has since become one of Fiesta’s most popular annual events.
Old Spanish Days Fiesta 2026 will be held August 5th to 9th throughout Santa Barbara County. sbfiesta.org
Photos by Alejandro Navarro
Photos by Alejandro Navarro
2026 Spirit of Fiesta Jenna Ramirez
2026 Jr Spirit of Fiesta Penny Hernandez
2026 El Presidente Colin Hayward
Vendor Sponsor: Samsara Wine Co.
Vendor Sponsor: Samsara Wine Co.
Vendor Sponsor: Los Arroyos
Vendor Sponsor: High Seas Mead
Vendor Sponsor: Events by Rincon Vendor Sponsor: The Berry Man
Guests enjoyed the food and entertainment
Santa Barbara’s
Cultural Night Out
ST THURSDAY is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara that takes place on the first Thursday of each month. Participating art venues offer free access to art in a fun and social environment from 5-8pm. 1st Thursday venues also provide additional attractions, such as live music, artist receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities. State St also comes alive on 1st Thursday with performances and interactive activities.
Galleries, Museums, & Art Venues
1. VOICE Gallery • La Cumbre Plaza, 110 S. Hope Ave., Unit H-124
• Collective Visions from the membership of SB Art Association come together for a July exhibition expressed via a range of media.
Celebrating 1st Thursday and 3rd Friday with receptions from 5 to 8pm, SBAA is one of the largest and oldest local art membership organizations.
coastal paintings inspired by travel and wonder. Also featuring new summer works from the Atelier Collective’s six resident artists and guest sculptor Kai Bostwick. On view through July 19.
3. Santa Barbara Fine Art • 1321 State Street • Oceans & Coastlines. Celebrating, honoring and protecting our vital oceans that sustain us, through the eyes and art of our local artists. SB Fine Art donates 10% of all sales to benefit Heal the Ocean during this show. ( Island by Justin Carroll, 20x24 oil on canvas)
4. Tamsen Gallery •
Street
• Join us at Tamsen Gallery for Before They Were Legends, breathtaking exhibition of rare trial proofs from the Bob Bonis Archive. Experience intimate, unseen moments of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones during their groundbreaking tours from 1964 to 1966. Don’t miss this
July 2nd • 5 to 8pm
unique journey into music history!
5. domecíl • 1223 State Street
• Join us at domecíl to view two short films (total run time 10 minutes) highlighting the work of local artists Ray Gabaldón and
6. Jeanne Dentzel Art • 1213 State St unit i • New York Summer - Painted collage. Jeanne Dentzel is opening her working studio for 1st Thursday. New painted collages will be displayed along with her fine art book titled: Social Surrealism.
7. 10 West Gallery • 10 W. Anapamu St. • Twelve 10 West artists explore how natural world elements
8. REH Contemporary Studio & Gallery 12 W. Anapamu St. • This month, REH Contemporary features a number of newly minted figurative paintings by artist/owner Ruth Ellen Hoag. Visitors may go behind the scenes to peruse work in progress in the artist’s working studio and learn about her popular classes and workshops open to all levels of
33 W. Anapamu St. • One year of SEIMANDI & LEPRIEUR Gallery. We are honored by the response to our first year. Rooted in a French perspective, we present contemporary works by acclaimed artists from France and the United States. Guided by a curatorial vision, we bring together artists in carefully considered exhibitions. Join us for the
11 E. Anapamu St. • Sullivan Goss celebrates a new solo exhibition by Nicole Strasburg entitled The Whole is This is Strasburg’s 10th solo exhibition at the gallery, and is an exciting evolution of The Art of Collecting,
Moonlight Guide, oil on canvas, 24
10. Catch the opening for Nicole Strasburg’s tenth solo exhibition at Sullivan Goss.
11. Gallery Josephine • 133 E. Anapamu St. • Discover Gallery Josephine, Santa Barbara’s newest contemporary art gallery and artist studio. Meet artist and founder Josephine Tournier Ingram and explore her inaugural exhibition: a decade-long exploration of light, memory, and place through layered abstract paintings inspired by Santa Barbara and the luminosity of Paris.
12. Santa Barbara Museum of Art • 1130 State Street • Visit SBMA for 1st Thursday extended hours, 5–8pm! Explore staff favorites in A Few of Our Favorite Things: Staff Selections from the Permanent Collection, multi-media and textile works in Remixed: Entwined Histories and New Forms, and reimagined realities in As if in a Dream: History, Fantasy, Future.
13. Gallery 113 • 1114 State Street #8 • Co-op gallery for members of the Santa Barbara Art Assoc. Our Artist of the Month is Odessa Burrow, a dedicated photographer and painter inspired by the coastline and mountain trails of Santa Barbara County. Other artists working in various mediums will be present to discuss their exhibits for July.
14. Waterhouse Gallery • 1114 State Street #9 • The Gallery features figurative works, interiors, and cityscapes, by some of today’s finest nationally known local and Oak Group artists. Enjoy works by Ray Hunter, Derek Harrison, Wyllis Heaton, Camille Dellar, Ann Sanders, Thomas Van Stein, Nancy Davidson, Rick Garcia, Ellie Freudenstein, and Ralph Waterhouse.
15. The Yes Store • 1015 State Street • Come celebrate the current work of our 60 local artists, while enjoying music, drinks, and treats! View our private collection of Eileen Richardson’s 1980’s art pottery – a Santa Barbara Smithsonian Museum artist. Looking for locally handmade gifts or something special for yourself? Look no further than The Yes Store!
16. 3D Studio Gallery • 1011 State Street • Visit the privately owned art gallery by world-renowned 3D Pop Artist Charles Fazzino. Visit 3D Studio Gallery to experience the world of the Master of 3D Pop Art with a close-up look at his collection of intricate 3D masterpieces!
17. Amazon Santa Barbara • 1001 State Street • SB County native, Rosemary Martines is interested in being authentic to her creative process. Martines creates using only a palette knife and oil paints on canvas. Her artwork is a personal journey and an outward reflection of her love for nature, each piece reflecting deep connections to color and texture.
18. Game Seeker • 920 State Street • Chloé Marie Hourdequin creates original watercolor paintings that illustrate flora, fauna and iconic local landmarks of Santa Barbara County.
19. SBIFF’s Santa Barbara Filmmaker Series • SBIFF’s Film Center, 916 State Street • Join us at the NEW Film Center every 1st Thursday for free screenings of short films by Santa Barbara filmmakers. Check sbiff.org/sbfilmmakers for film info. Showtimes 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, and 7pm. (showtimes subject to change)
Entertainment
JELLYROLL • 800 Block of State Street • The people’s choice local blues band. Morganfield Burnet is the band leader, frontman, lead vocalist, and harmonica player. On drums is Santa Barbara’s own, Brad Wisham. Guitarist Howard Miller and bassist Gary Santino round out the rest of this powerhouse quartet. JELLYROLL – blues the way it was meant to be played).
21. One Thread Collective • El Paseo Courtyard, 22 El Paseo • Dance to live salsa music with Mezcalito, explore handwoven accessories & homewares made by Indigenous women, and discover original works of art by Chiffon Lark at One Thread Collective’s six-year anniversary party! Plus local wine, snacks, prize giveaway, and 20% OFF handwoven goods. Every purchase supports Wayuu weavers in Colombia.
23. Santa Barbara Historical Museum • 136 E. De La Guerra St. • Join us and DJ Darla Bea for a courtyard dance party celebrating our pop-up photo exhibition, Stars, Stripes, & Santa Barbara, featuring past Independence Day memories captured in the Santa Barbara NewsPress. Take in the sights and sounds of summers past with music, wine, and more!
Sponsor
20. Soul Sucker • 814 State Street STE 38 • Clay Day! Watch Soul Sucker and Maker House instructors demonstrate wheel throwing and hand-building, bid on live-made pieces benefiting Maker House, and enjoy free underglazing workshops. Meet & shop instructors/artist’s work, see Santa Barbara artist: Matt Rodriguez, paint live, sip Frequency Wines, and shop work by Santa Barbara ceramic artists.
22. Paint at Paseo • The Parlor, 651 Paseo Nuevo • Join us for a free and fun guided painting workshop with Creative Wellness Artist Khaatia Vantiger. For July, participants will be painting a piece featuring a Fire Horse presence emerging through a mountain-inspired landscape, introducing a stronger sense of motion and energy. RSVP encouraged.
24. Riviera Towel Company • 17 W. Gutierrez St. • Riviera Towel & Gift Co. helps artists bring their creations off the wall and into everyday life by translating artwork into custom woven cotton textiles. Explore the fascinating journey from digital image to woven masterpiece and discover how thousands of individual threads come together to create a work of art!
CommUnify’s Champions Dinner & Awards
HONORING COMMUNITY
CHAMPIONS, CommUnify held their Annual Champions Dinner & Awards recently in Solvang.
“In these challenging times, we are so proud to hold our 20th annual Champions Dinner and honor the great work being done in our county by dedicated individuals and organizations. This year’s cohort spans the county, but their impact is felt far and wide by the residents and nonprofits that their efforts help,” said CommUnify CEO, Patricia Keelean.
The 2026 Honorees were: The Hutton
Parker Foundation, presented by Jackie Carrera, CEO, Santa Barbara Foundation; People Helping People, presented by Veronica Sandoval, Chief Tribal Operations & Communications Officer, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians; and Edwin Weaver, CEO of Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, presented by Alice Patino, Mayor, City of Santa Maria. CommUnify recognizes individuals, nonprofit organizations, and businesses dedicated to the well-being of Santa Barbara County residents.
The awards dinner was held at Hotel Corque, in The Craft House Restaurant Ballroom, 420 Alisal Road in Solvang, with
CommUnify’s 2026 cohort of Champions Awards honorees. Pictured L to R: Edwin Weaver, CEO, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley; Erica Jane Flores, CEO, People Helping People; and Chris Parker, Vice President, The Hutton Parker Foundation
Patricia Keelean, CommUnify
Enjoying CommUnify’s VIP Reception during the 20th Annual Champions Awards. Pictured L to R: Mayor of Santa Maria, Alice Patino; Councilmember, City of Goleta & CommUnify Board President, James Kyriaco; and CommUnify CEO, Patricia Keelean
200 guest attending. Tina Ballue served as MC and Auctioneer for a Live Auction and a Paddle Raise. The Champions Dinner was funded by more than 50 sponsors and raised $279,775 to support the programs in CommUnify’s Family & Youth Services division.
CommUnify (formerly the Community Action Commission or CAC) was formed in 1965 as a 15-member Community Action Committee appointed by the County Board of Supervisors to address the causes and conditions of poverty within the entirety of Santa Barbara County. CommUnifySB.org
Film Screening of the new documentary film The Freelance BEAVER Detective: Tracking Urban Wildlife with Pamela Adams, of Beaver Insights, joined by Filmmaker Kay D. Ray
Pamela Adams is a Seattle-based urban wildlife researcher, educator, and self-appointed Freelance Beaver Detective, who is pioneering community-based beaver ecology—especially focused on urban beavers & the wildlife their watery homes support, sometimes with the use of non-invasive trail cameras she has taught many citizens & communities to use.
Encouraging citizens to participate, Pamela’s vision is to foster more “freelance beaver detectives” in every urban waterway in the west and beyond. A hopeful, science-grounded look at how cities and wildlife can thrive together. As Pamela Adams states, “When you follow beavers, you follow a whole ecosystem.”
FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2026, 6-8PM
Location: SBCC West Campus, Fe Bland Auditorium, 721 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA
Sponsored by Santa Barbara Permaculture Network & Santa Barbara Beaver Brigade www.sbpermaculture.org • 805 962-2571
The Hutton Parker Foundation accepting their 2026 Champions Award. Chris Parker, Vice President of the Board, The Hutton Parker Foundation, and Jackie Carrera, CEO, Santa Barbara Foundation award presenter.
Erica Jane Flores, CEO of People Helping People, accepts the Champions Award after being introduced by Veronica Sandoval, Chief Tribal Operations & Communications Officer, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
Edwin Weaver, CEO of Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley receives his Champions Award & Medallion. Pictured with
Photos by Sergio Ruiz Photography
Ichthyology meets ‘Through the Looking Glass,’ in pen and ink
Milton Love’s new book blends fish biology with a heavy dose of gonzo humor
By Harrison Tasoff
The UC Santa Barbara Current • 6.23.26
SO, YOU WANT TO LEARN about fish. And you’ve heard that UC Santa Barbara’s Milton Love is one of the foremost ichthyologists on the West Coast, known for mixing his exhaustive knowledge on rock fishes with a pinch of irreverent humor. You pick up his new book, Gonzo Ichthyology, as an edifying summer read.
Well, strap in and strap on for a wild ride through the fascinating field of fish biology and the zany brilliance of Love, buoyed by the wild and wonderful illustrations of biologist and artist Jessica Eggers.
Gonzo is not a bromine beach book. When the reader extends their hand in introduction, Love and Eggers take that as an invitation to place their unsuspecting reader in a headlock and engage in a bit of good-natured sparring. And the authors expect their readers not to pull any punches once they come to.
“First, we should emphasize that this is our book and, as such, we make the rules,” the authors state in the preface. “Yes, you are reading this book and may have paid for this copy, but that only makes you the owner of this copy.”
Gonzo is less technical treatise and more creative experimentation. “The book is supposed to be a work
of art,” said Love, who previously penned the more academic (yet still whimsical) volume Certainly More Than You Want to Know about the Fishes of the Pacific Coast: A Postmodern Experience (Really Big Press, 2011).
Art, as Love sees it, is about conveying truth to a viewer, listener, or reader. In this case, that would be truth about fishes transmitted through illustrations and the written word. “Sometimes the connection to fish is very tenuous,” he admitted, such as an entire spread on the symmetry between the life of Argentinian dictator Juan Perón and great moments in ichthyological history.
The book was a long time coming, although neither author may have known this. Several years back, Love was searching Eggers’ Etsy site for a specific anglerfish T-shirt to gift to a colleague. Not finding it, he messaged her. “We started emailing back and forth, and she eventually said one of her goals was to produce an ichthyology textbook in the form of a graphic novel,” he recalled.
“I read those words, and I thought, ‘I must have been a saint in a previous life, and I’m being rewarded,’” said Love, who had long wanted to create just such a work of art himself.
Jessica Eggers is a globetrotting fisheries biologist with an inspired talent for illustration. Born in South Africa and raised in Kenya and Switzerland, she didn’t live near an ocean until attending university in Australia. She eventually earned
a master’s degree in fisheries management back in South Africa and now lives on a houseboat in the Dutch canals.
Eggers still finds the watery world both fantastical and fascinating, and wanted to create a work to share these feelings. “I started doing a couple of sample pages for myself and realized that it was going to be a huge chunk of work,” she said.
Meanwhile, Love is an emeritus research biologist with decades of expertise in research, publishing, and, yes, fish. After that first email, the two hit it off over a joint vision for a creative exploration of an ichthyological persuasion: Love would provide the facts and the wit, and Eggers would bring it to life in illustration. “It came together perfectly,” she said.
And the literati seem to agree. The book has already garnered notice from The Association of Illustrators, which has longlisted the work for the 2026 World Illustration Awards.
Egger’s style can be described as the love child of Peter Broegel and M.C. Escher, raised by Aubrey Beardsley. Her pen-and-ink images with meticulous stippling recall early biological illustrations. And yet the spirit often cleaves closer to the swirling psychedelia of Martin Sharp.
Eggers tried to balance the book between wonky and whimsey. “I would think about the subject matter and how to make it fishy,” she said. “And when the text was too fishy, then I would try to pull it into a more cultural or artistic dimension.”
You may think the artist needed to coax the veteran biologist out of his comfort zone, but Eggers was more often the balancing force to the madcap Love. “Sometimes I would write things that were just weird, and Jess would try to pull back the riff into the normal with her illustrations,” Love admitted. “Meanwhile, her rendering of topics like the lateral line system would be more artistic to bring it out of the
purely mundane.”
Alongside treatments of fish biology and the history of ichthyology are some truly perplexing sections. The idea for the Mis-en-abyme “Rosie Minnow Frontier Ichthyologist” literally came to Love in a dream. He fleshed out the character and sent the idea to Eggers, who responded a couple weeks later with a fully realized introduction to the fictitious comic. And there’s the Juan Perón riff. Why?
“Well, to answer that question, you have to ask the question, what are all the riffs for?” Love countered. “And it comes back to art.” A major function of art is to surprise the viewer, he said. “And when I thought that section up, it was part and parcel of that. It was something that would surprise and engage the reader.”
Surprise is also intrinsic to Love’s unique manner of blending science with humor, although he says the two often mix like oil and water. “Humor is antithetical to scientific writing,” he said, “because humor is based on surprise, which is the absolute worst thing you can put in a scientific study. You have to present your data like in a newspaper.” But the wonder and serendipity of humor find a natural home in science itself, where every discovery is a surprise and the bizarre is commonplace.
“Certainly More” included a hearty dose of humorous riffs and anecdotes — Love estimates about 20 percent of the book’s content — far more than the standard textbook usually devotes to such things.
“Gonzo is 60 percent riffs and 40 percent facts,” Love said, “and is much less tethered to my interest
in sales.”
In fact, editors had great trouble shoehorning the manuscript into any particular genre. Toward the end of a long and fruitless search, Eggers had even suggested pitching the book to the Library of Congress. Love acquiesced, and wrote a very sympathetic rejection letter for them with a stamped envelope, “to soften the blow,” he said. “But they didn’t even have the courtesy to stick my letter in my envelope!”
Rather than change the work to fit the marketing, the authors decided to self publish. And Love said he’d be satisfied even if the work doesn’t sell a single copy. “Like any artist, first you please yourself, and then if other people want to come along on the ride, great,” he said. “This book is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.”
Eggers is also proud of how the book came out, though she is quite keen on it gaining some commercial traction, as well, if only so she can repair her houseboat. “I wanted to create a coalescence of science communication and art,” she said. “A work that would share that fascination and that knowledge I learned through my studies.”
Love and Eggers freely admit in the book that they are “just messing with you.” And joke that they “have never claimed that this book is anything more than the product of an ego that demands to be continuously fed, and is certainly not meant to teach you much of anything.”
Yet, despite the authors’ best efforts, you may actually learn something.
Printed with permission of UCSB Office of Public Affairs and Communications.
With its fantastical illustrations and offbeat humor, Gonzo Ichthyology leads readers through topics in fish biology and other flights of fancy.
Photos by Jessica Eggers
Love and Eggers invite their readers to join them on a ride through the alimentary system of the fish. And this isn’t even halfway into the book.
Retail Sales Recovering?
“Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for May 2026, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $763.7 billion, up 0.9 percent (±0.4 percent) from the previous month, and up 6.9 percent (±0.5 percent) from May 2025.”
- Census Bureau
By Harlan Green Special to VOICE, June 18, 2026
RETAIL SALES ARE RECOVERING, even though consumers are paying more for automobiles and gas because of the higher inflation. But it’s emptying their pocketbooks, to no one’s surprise.
So why do consumers keep shopping? They may have some of the irrational exuberance prevailing at the moment in financial markets because of optimism over the SpaceX IPO that is breaking sales records. It’s
called herd behavior in economic parlance, because its investors seem to believe SpaceX is the next big thing without too much forethought.
Nobel Laureate Robert Shiller calls it lazy thinking, listening to little more than word of mouth or hearsay, or scanning the headlines but not what is between the lines, instead of researching it.
By Harlan Green
SpaceX is making a tiny profit, yet Elon Musk’s hyper sales pitch has investors believe the sky’s the limit with future earnings from…what, a trip to the moon or Mars? Its IPO
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has capitalized it as much as established corporations such as Microsoft that have a track record of real profits.
The stock market indexes are still breaking records in part because the major corporations have record profits. And the job market is finally recovering, after almost no job growth last year. The sudden hiring surge is because manufacturing has rebounded; both from the Biden administration’s $5 trillion raised in legislation to modernize U.S. infrastructure and the $1.5to two trillion suddenly pouring into the A.I. construction of data centers.
In fact, there’s so much irrational exuberance that this so-called A.I. revolution is now being compared to the Dotcom (in 2000) and housing bubbles (2008).
Too much fiber optic cable was laid in the years leading up to 2000 that is only now turning
a profit, and too many homes were built during the bubble that weren’t being absorbed by the housing market, resulting in declining home sales.
This is even though the U.S. population has increased by 60 million since 2000, according to the Census Bureau. The result is the lack of affordable housing and record homelessness, which could result in a more profitable investment than A.I.
But despite the market optimism, most consumers have become more cautious. It hasn’t convinced ordinary consumers who can barely afford to keep up with rising prices. The Conference Board’s Index of Leading Economic Indicators that attempts to predict business cycles, shows too many headwinds for much improvement.
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“Consumers are feeling squeezed because everyday costs—especially gas and energy—are rising faster than their incomes, leaving many households with less money available for things like travel, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. The good news is that businesses are spending heavily on AI, data centers, and new technology, helping to keep the economy growing, while consumers pull back spending,” said Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, Senior Manager, Business Cycle Indicators for the Conference Board.
Growing retail sales are a positive sign that the economy is improving for consumers as well as market investors but it can’t last unless inflation declines. Will artificial intelligence be the ticket to greater prosperity for all?
Let’s hope so, otherwise the A.I. bubble will also burst.
Follow Harlan Green on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarlanGreen
Harlan Green has been the 18-year Editor-Publisher of PopularEconomics.com, a weekly syndicated financial wire service. He writes a Popular Economics Weekly Blog. He is an economic forecaster and teacher of real estate finance with 30-years experience as a banker and mortgage broker. To reach Harlan call 805-452-7696 or email editor@populareconomics.com.
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The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as COAST TO COUNTRY PARTNERS LLC at 1187 Coast Village Rd, Suite 1, Montecito, CA 93108. COAST TO COUNTRY PARTNERS LLC at 1187 Coast Village Rd, Suite 1, Montecito, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on May 12, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001255. Published June 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026. To have your news included in VOICE Magazine, please email information to Writer@VoiceSB.com
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The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as URBANE CAFE at 7000 Hollister Rd, Suite 102, Goleta, CA 93117. URBANE CAFE OPERATIONS, LLC at 78 N Ash St, Ventura, CA 93001. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on June 10, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001516. Published June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 2026.
The following Corporation is doing business as A&J WASHER & DRYER REPAIR at 230 Matilda Drive, Goleta, CA 93117. FMX GLOBAL INC at 8151 N Paula Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on June 2, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001436. Published June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2026.
The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as CONFECTIONARIUM SB at 800 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3207. EVENT NETWORK, LLC at 9645 Granite Ridge Drive, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on June 5, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001479. Published June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2026.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER : 26CV03732 Petitioner: Alanna Aniela Dragosz filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Alanna Aniela Dragosz to PROPOSED NAME: Alanna Aniela Callaghan. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 14, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 4; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 06/16/26 /s/: Donna D. Geck, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #26CV023732 Pub Dates: June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 2026.
Where to Learn About Local Government Meetings
The Santa Barbara City Council meets most Tuesdays at 2pm
• To learn more about the council and other City department meetings, visit www.santabarbaraca.gov
The Goleta City Council meets biweekly on Tuesdays at 5:30pm
• To learn more about the council and other City department meetings, visit www.cityofgoleta.org
The Carpinteria City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5:30pm • To learn more about other City departments visit www.carpinteriaca.gov
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meets most Tuesdays at 9am • To learn more about other County departments visit www.countyofsb.org
The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) generally meets on the third Thursday of the month at 10am · SBCAG is a regional board of 13 elected officials representing all eight cities and the County · visit www.sbcag.org
SB Botanic Garden Named California Nonprofit of the Year by Monique Limón
RECOGNIZING A LOCAL GEM IN CONSERVATION AND NATURAL BEAUTY, California Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón recognized the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden as the 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year.
“I am proud that our district is home to one of the most historic botanic gardens in the nation,” shared Limón “The work carried out at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is critical to the future of native California plants.”
Each year, members of the California State Legislature select one nonprofit organization from their district to be honored for exceptional contributions to the community. This recognition arrives during a the SB Botanic Garden’s 100th anniversary as the first botanic garden in the United States dedicated exclusively to native plants. The garden covers 78 acres, featuring more than six miles of walking trails, a library, a public native plant nursery, and a Conservation Center that is home to research labs, a gallery, an herbarium, and seed bank.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized by Senate President pro Tempore Limón as a California Nonprofit of the Year,” said Steve Windhager, Ph.D., Garden Executive Director. “For more than a century, the Garden’s mission has been to conserve native plants and inspire stewardship of California’s extraordinary biodiversity, which is essential to sustaining life and building resilience in the face of climate change.” sbbotanicgarden.org
Applications Open For SBIFF 1010-10 Student Screenwriting & Filmmaking Competition
AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERS AND SCREENWRITERS, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s annual 10-10-10 Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Competition has opened applications for its 2026-2027 program year. All local high school and college students are welcome to apply. Selections will be made by a jury of industry professionals. The program will run from late September to early October 2026 through February 2027.
The program will accept ten screenwriters and ten filmmakers to create ten films. SBIFF pairs ten high school and ten college students into screenwriter-director duos, and with the help of professional filmmaking mentors. The program has also expanded to reach ten additional college student composers guided by a Composing Mentor to score each of the films. Films will premiere at the Arlington Theatre during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, February 3rd to the 13th, 2027. Participation is free to all and the theme for this year’s 10-10-10 Program is “Freedom of Speech.”
The priority application deadline is Monday, July 27th, and the final deadline is September 7th. To apply, visit sbiff.org/education/10-10-10
VOICE Magazine • LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE OF PUBLICATIONS ON APPLICATIONS REGARDING PROVISIONS OF TITLE 28 AND/OR 30 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA (SBMC)
The Secretary of the Planning Commission has set a public hearing for Thursday, July 09, 2026 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street.
On Thursday, July 02, 2026, an Agenda with all items to be heard on Thursday, July 09, 2026 will be posted on the outdoor bulletin board at City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, and online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC. Agendas, Minutes, and Staff Reports are also accessible online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC.
TELEVISION COVERAGE: This meeting will be broadcast live on City TV-Channel 18 and online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTV. See SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTVProgramGuide for a rebroadcast schedule. An archived video of this meeting will be available at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PCVideos.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments may be submitted via email to PCSecretary@SantaBarbaraCA.gov before the beginning of the Meeting. All public comments submitted via email will be provided to the Commission and will become part of the public record. You may also submit written correspondence via US Postal Service (USPS) addressed to PC Secretary, PO Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990. However, please be advised, correspondence sent via USPS may not be received in time to process prior to the meeting and email submissions are highly encouraged. Please note that the Commission may not have time to review written comments received after 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting.
All public comment that is received before 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting will be published on the City’s website at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC. Comments provided via USPS or e-mail will be converted to a PDF before being posted on the City’s website. Note: comments will be published online the way they are received and without redaction of personal identifying information; including but not limited to phone number, home address, and email address. Only submit information that you wish to make available publicly.
APPEALS: Decisions of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council. For further information and guidelines on how to appeal a decision to City Council, please contact the City Clerk’s office at Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov as soon as possible. Appeals may be filed in person at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or in writing via email to Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov and by first class mail postage prepaid within 10 calendar days of the meeting at which the Commission took action or rendered its decision. Appeals and associated fee postmarked after the 10th calendar day will not be accepted.
NOTE TO INTERESTED PARTIES: Only those persons who participate through public comment either orally or in writing on an item on this Agenda have standing to appeal the decision. Grounds for appeal are limited to those issues raised either orally or in written correspondence delivered to the review body at, or prior to, the public hearing.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you need services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator’s Office at (805) 5645305. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. Specialized services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange.
• 740 Dolores Drive
Assessor’s Parcel Number: 035-033-031
Zoning Designation: RS-15 & P-R (One-Family Residence, Parks & Recreation)
Application Number: PLN2026-00108
Applicant / Owner: Kelly Bourque / City of Santa Barbara
Project Description: Replace existing 10 million gallon public drinking water reservoir
Applicant / Owner: Alicia Harrison, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP / City of Santa Barbara
Project Description: Goleta West Sanitary District Force Main Maintenance and Repairs
June
June
August
August
September
Coast Sounds Festival at Plaza del Mar’s Band Shell
THE FIRST-EVER GRASSROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL at Plaza del Mar’s Band Shell in Santa Barbara, organized by Genevieve Mack, local SBHS student and 2026 graduate, will take place on June 28th. A youth-led event, the all-ages micro-festival Coast Sounds will bring together sounds of local acoustic folk, surf rock, indie, and blues from 3 until 8pm.
The lineup features local rockers Green Room Paradise, Dylan Cunningham, Ladyfinger, Looking West, and Chris Benedict, DJ of Ability, who will deliver full sound production for the concert.
Coastal Sounds is part of Arts in the Open, a series presented by the Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the PARC Foundation, which celebrates a wide range of artistic experiences designed for all ages. parcsb.org/events
Celebrate Pollinator Week at Pollinator-Palooza!
POLLINATOR-PALOOZA, hosted by the City of Santa Barbara’s Sustainability & Resilience Department, will celebrate National Pollinator Week on Sunday, June 28th, from 10am to 12pm at the Arroyo Burro Open Space (599 Alan Rd). Community members are invited to get to know their local pollinators at this fun, free, family-friendly event.
Citizen scientists can take part in an educational “bioblitz” using the iNaturalist app to explore, document, and learn about plants and pollinators found at the park. Kids of all ages can create pollinator-themed crafts with Explore Ecology, get their faces painted, and check out a curated selection of books from the Library on the Go.
“As a designated Bee City USA community, the City is committed to protecting pollinators and the habitats they depend on,” said Creeks Division Manager Erin Markey. “We’re excited to invite the community to Pollinator-Palooza to explore, learn, and contribute to community science efforts that support biodiversity in Santa Barbara.”
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Pacific Coast Pollinators, and the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Barbara will also be there to share information.
For more info, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Sustainability. Parking is limited on Alan Road. Carpooling, walking, or biking is encouraged.
California has lost more than half of its coastal sand dunes, first-ever comprehensive assessment reveals
By Sonia Fernandez, The UC Santa Barbara Current • 6.22.26
ASTUDY CONDUCTED BY UC SANTA BARBARA RESEARCHERS AND COLLABORATORS
has found that California has lost more than half of its coastal dune systems. The researchers’ assessment — the first of its kind for the California coast — estimates that 60 percent of dune systems that existed from 1850 have been lost, due to a combination of urban development, land-use changes, and erosion.
“There are major implications of this loss for the California coast, including reduced habitats for plants, insects, and other invertebrates, birds, and small mammals,” said the paper’s lead author, postdoctoral researcher and physical geographer Tim Baxter, who conducted his research as a member of geography professor Ian Walker’s lab. “Importantly, we also lose coastal protections against storms and sea level rise.”
This assessment, one of the largest and most detailed inventories of coastal sand dunes ever produced, is published in the journal Earth’s Future
California’s coastal dunes through time
According to the study, around the time California emerged as the U.S.’s 31st state, it had about 739 km2 (about 285 square miles) of coastal
dunes. After 165 years these dune fields, which capture and supply sand to nearby beaches, have dwindled in area to almost 300 km2 (about 116 square miles). That is mostly due to human activity, including migration and settlement, which started as early as the Gold Rush (1848), and subsequent development. While a small amount — roughly 18 km2 (seven square miles) — was lost through natural processes, including erosion at estuaries and rivermouths, the vast majority of dune loss is the result of human activity, including the development of roads and other infrastructure, agriculture, and the introduction of invasive plants.
The biggest losses, according to the researchers, were in the areas of densest urban development.
“The thing that surprised me most was the scale of loss in San Francisco and Los Angeles,” said co-author Kyle Emery of UCSB’s Marine Science Institute. More than 95 percent (or 108 km2 or 42 square miles) of sand dunes that originally existed in those locations were removed to make room for roads, city infrastructure, housing and commercial buildings, and other development. Meanwhile, Central California was also found to have lost 60 percent (331 km2
or about 128 square miles) of its coastal dunes. Approximately half of what’s left of California’s coastal dune systems are isolated — cut off from coastal processes by infrastructure and transportation networks. Through the study, the researchers also document some dune growth in southern California, including places where dune restoration is taking place.
As communities up and down the California coast contend with the fate of their shores amidst sea level rise, dune systems have become an attractive restoration option, providing sustainable, self-healing protections against the encroaching ocean.
However, sand dunes may not be the best solution for every shrinking beach. A variety of factors, including cost, space, location, and the priorities of municipalities that are making their plans for sea level rise, will dictate whether dunes are an effective investment. This uncertainty, coupled with the highly diverse, dynamic environment of the California coast highlighted deficiencies in the understanding of these sand dunes. It also prompted the researchers to take on the challenge of characterizing these coastal landforms, the forces that make them and the places that could host them.
“Coastal sand dunes are really challenging to map,” Baxter said. “It required months of careful analysis
using a variety of analytical methods — historical archive analysis, machine learning tools, site visits — and datasets, including historical maps, high resolution aerial photographs, and LiDAR.” In the process, the researchers could see the evolution of California’s coastal dune systems in a wide variety of settings and conditions through time.
The method, according to researchers, can be applied to other areas in the world that are contending with sea level rise, and are considering dune systems as a defense.
“Our methods provide a framework for assessing large-scale habitat change that could be extended to coasts around the world to aid identification and prioritization of suitable restoration sites, helping to offset past dune losses and mitigate future climate change impacts.”
This work was funded by the UC Office of the President Climate Action Research Initiative Research in this paper was also conducted by Ian J. Walker (PI), Jenifer E. Dugan (PI), David M. Hubbard, Karina K. Johnston, Sarah Smith, Dakota R. Fee and Dan Willett at UCSB; Laura Engeman and Jenna Wisniewski at UC San Diego, Sean Vitousek at the U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, and Andrea J. Pickart at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Printed with permission of UCSB Office of Public Affairs and Communications.
Courtesy Photo
side-by-side comparison of Humboldt Bay sand dunes with data taken in 1854 (left), 1948 (middle) and (2016) right
Flamenco Arts Festival Season Begins
FEATURING DANCE, FILM, MUSIC, AND COMMUNITY EVENTS, the Flamenco Arts Festival has announced its 2026 season, starting in June, July, and August in Santa Barbara.
"We are thrilled to present such a dynamic and diverse season that celebrates flamenco through live performances, film, music, and cultural exchange with U.S.based artists," said Vibiana Pizano, Founder and President of the Flamenco Arts Festival.
"The 2026 season reflects our continued commitment to presenting world-class artists while expanding access to the arts and creating inclusive opportunities for our community to engage with the richness and artistry of flamenco.”
community engagement. This year, the Festival will showcase the artistry and cultural leadership of U.S.-based flamenco artists, with a mix of ticketed and free public programs.
The Makarines will open the season on Tuesday, June 30th, at 7:30pm at Center Stage Theater. Known for their beautifully layered vocals and contemporary interpretation of flamenco music, the brother duo blends traditional roots with modern influences to create a uniquely captivating musical experience. Joining the Makarines are vocalists Aroa Fernandez and Claudia la Chispa.
Entering its 27th year, the festival continues its mission of presenting internationally acclaimed flamenco artists while expanding cultural arts access through performances, educational programs, and
FAF will present the documentary film Bailaora – Mis Pies Son Mi Voz, directed by Pablo Croce on July 31st at 7:30pm at Center Stage Theater. The film explores the life, artistry, and international career of acclaimed flamenco dancer and choreographer Siudy Garrido ahead of her August 7th performance at the Lobero Theatre. Admission is free, but advance tickets are required to reserve seating and tickets will be available in July.
City Begins Outreach for Parks and Recreation Master Plan
BEGINNING THE FIRST PHASE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH FOR A NEW PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN, the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department is seeking input from residents. As the first citywide master planning effort in over four decades, the process provides a unique opportunity for residents to help establish priorities and shape the future of Santa Barbara’s parks, open spaces, recreation facilities, and community programs.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan will establish a long-term vision for Santa Barbara’s parks and recreation system and help define priorities and guide future improvements. The plan will assess existing parks, facilities, and programs, identify community needs and trends, and provide recommendations to help ensure the system continues to serve residents for years to come.
Community feedback is essential to the development of the Master Plan. Throughout the summer, Parks and Recreation staff will connect with residents in City parks and at community events to share information about the project and hear from residents about their experiences, needs, and priorities for the future of Santa Barbara’s parks, facilities, and programs.
Additional opportunities for public participation, including a citywide survey and community workshops, will be announced later this year. Feedback gathered throughout the outreach process will help inform recommendations and an action plan that reflects community needs, values, and priorities.
To learn more, visit: SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PRMP
The Festival's celebrated signature GALA will be held at the Lobero Theatre on August 7th. The evening begins at 6pm with a complimentary PreConcert Reception on the Lobero esplanade, featuring live music by Tony Ybarra and complimentary wine by RZN in an outdoor gathering before theatre doors open at 7pm. The GALA evening continues at 7:30pm, when audiences will experience the West Coast Premiere of Siudy Garrido Flamenco Company in Flamenco Suite at the Lobero Theatre. Created by Latin Grammy-nominated choreographer Garrido, the visually striking and emotionally powerful production explores the deep roots of flamenco through traditional forms including Seguirillas, Alegrías, Caña, and Soleá, while blending tradition with a contemporary artistic vision. Performed by a company of exceptional dancers and musicians, the production showcases the passion, elegance, and innovation that have made the company internationally recognized.
Courtyard. Guests are invited to celebrate the evening with artists, sponsors, and members of the flamenco community in an elegant post-performance setting featuring Spanish cuisine by Chef Roger Navas-Balladares and complimentary wine by RZN.
Immediately following the GALA performance, VIP ticket holders are invited to the VIP GALA After-Party in the Lobero
La Ciudad
The Festival weekend concludes on Sunday, August 9th with the debut of Tablao Zano Flamenco at The New Vic. Inspired by the intimate flamenco tablaos of Spain, Tablao Zano Flamenco features live flamenco music and dance in an up-close setting. Designed to immerse audiences in the passion, rhythm, and spontaneity of flamenco, it offers a lively conclusion to the FAF 2026 summer season. Flamencoarts.org
Inicia el Proceso de Alcance Comunitario para el Plan Maestro de Parques y Recreación
EL DEPARTAMENTO DE PARQUES Y RECREACIÓN DE LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA está iniciando la primera fase de alcance comunitario para un nuevo Plan Maestro de Parques y Recreación. Como el primer esfuerzo de planificación a nivel municipal en más de cuatro décadas, este proceso ofrece una oportunidad única para que los residentes ayuden a establecer prioridades y dar forma al futuro de los parques, espacios abiertos, instalaciones recreativas y programas comunitarios de Santa Bárbara.
El Plan Maestro de Parques y Recreación establecerá una visión a largo plazo para el sistema de parques y recreación de Santa Bárbara, y ayudará a definir prioridades y guiar futuras mejoras. El plan evaluará los parques, instalaciones y programas existentes, identificará las necesidades y tendencias de la comunidad, y proporcionará recomendaciones para ayudar a garantizar que el sistema continúe sirviendo a los residentes durante muchos años.
La opinión de la comunidad es esencial para el desarrollo del Plan Maestro. Durante el verano, el personal de Parques y Recreación se reunirá con residentes en parques de la Ciudad y en eventos comunitarios para compartir información sobre el proyecto y escuchar sus experiencias, necesidades y prioridades para el futuro de los parques, instalaciones y programas de Santa Bárbara.
Se anunciarán más oportunidades para la participación pública, incluyendo una encuesta a nivel municipal y talleres comunitarios, más adelante este año. La información recopilada a lo largo del proceso de alcance ayudará a informar las recomendaciones y un plan de acción que refleje las necesidades, valores y prioridades de la comunidad.
Para obtener más información, visite: SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PRMP.
Archivo adjunto: Parks and Recreation Master Plan Outreach at Juneteenth (Personal del departamento interactúa con un miembro de la comunidad mientras señala un cartel.)
Siudy Garrido
The Makarines
Photo by Omar Cruz
Photo courtesy of Flamenco Arts Festival
Gold Medallion Tree Cassia leptophylla
By David Gress / Special to VOICE
OLD
MEDALLION TREE
is certainly one of the most spectacular of all flowering trees. In summer, eye-catching clusters of yellow blooms appear at the ends of its leafy branches –every cluster looks like an enormous bouquet of 30 to 50 individual flowers!
Beginning in June and extending through August, brilliantly yellow flowers (each two- to three-inches in diameter) emerge throughout the canopy in clusters of terminal racemes (each cluster is eight- to ten-inches wide). This fabulous floral display can last a month - or two!
– with age, they turn a shiny dark brown. They can persist in the tree through the next growing season.
Gold Medallion Tree is in the Fabaceae (pea or bean) plant family, so its pods contain bean-like seeds. Fair warning: the seeds contain toxins and, therefore, are not edible.
Another outstanding feature is its lush foliage. The long leaves (up to 18-inches in length) are pinnately compound (twice divided). Each leaf has nine to 20 pairs of leaflets. Each leaflet (2½-inches long and 1½inch wide) is shiny green above and pale green below.
Gold Medallion Tree was first planted in the Los Angeles Arboretum in 1958. Since then, it has become an increasingly popular landscape tree in the Santa Barbara community – and for good reason. It does spectacularly well in our Mediterranean climate.
The botanical name of Gold Medallion Tree is Cassia leptophylla. The genus name, Cassia, is the from the Greek word kassia, which is their name for plants in the Fabaceae family that provide senna leaves and pods used in traditional medicine. The specific epithet, leptophylla, comes from a combination of the Greek words leptos (meaning “narrow”) and phyllon (meaning “leaf”), referring to its narrow leaflets.
dazzling flowers and unique seed pods. It adds beauty and interest on city streets, in home gardens, in public parks, and in commercial landscape - as either an individual specimen tree or in a grouping of multiples for dramatic effect.
These lovely trees cannot be missed when in bloom all around our town. Look for nice specimens in Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens (near the corner of Micheltorena Street and Santa Barbara Street), in MacKenzie
Park, in Spencer Adams Park, on State Street (in the 800 and 1000 blocks and below Gutierrez Street), and on Gutierrez Street at Olive Street. A mature specimen stands in the 100 block of South San Marcos Road.
Tree-of-the-Month articles are sponsored by Santa Barbara Beautiful, whose many missions include the increase of public awareness and appreciation of Santa Barbara’s many outstanding trees and, in a long-time partnership with the City Parks & Recreation Department, the funding and planting of trees along the City’s streets. sbbeautiful.org
This is a fast growing, small- to medium-sized (up to 25-feet high and 30-feet wide), semi-evergreen tree, which carries low branches and a rounded crown.
The attractive reddish-brown bark peels in roughened vertical strips. The furrows between the strips expose a brighter reddish bark underneath.
After the flowers are pollinated, they develop extraordinarily large (often up to two feet in length and one-inch across), foursided, woody seed pods that dangle from the branches. When young, the pods are green
Gold Medallion Tree is native to the forests of southeastern Brazil. Despite its tropical origins, once established here, it is surprisingly drought tolerant, cold hardy to 25°F, and thrives in our non-tropical climate. It benefits from occasional deep watering, especially during prolonged droughts. Although it can tolerate many soil types, it prefers well-drained sandy loam soil; heavy clay soils will require good drainage, to help prevent root disease.
Happily, it is a low maintenance tree with no serious disease or insect problems. It does require occasional pruning to maintain a uniform shape and to remove dead or damaged branches.
It is easy to propagate from seeds. Seeds should be soaked for at least 24 hours, to ensure faster and more uniform germination.
Gold Medallion Tree is understandably appreciated as an excellent ornamental, because it is a small, low-maintenance, problem-free, tree that bears long-lasting
Eagles Nest Ocean Views
Santa Barbara’s Premiere Ocean View Apartments
• Every apartment has outstanding ocean views with the very best island and sunset views in town.
• 32 one bedroom apartments, each with granite counter tops and a magnificent view.
• Recently updated on a dead end street with a reserved carport parking spot for each unit.
• Only six blocks to the ocean and on a bluff top with mild ocean breezes year round. All the top floor units have high beamed ceilings and no steps, so easy access for all ages.
• See the best of Santa Barbara from this park-like setting.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call John at 805-451-4551.
John R. WhitehuRst Property Manager/Owner
805-451-4551 • SBOceanViewRentals.com Home Realty & Investment DRE#01050144
Gold Medallion Tree Bark
Photos by David Gress
Gold Medallion Tree
Gold Medallion Tree Flower
Gold Medallion Tree Seed Pods
On the Street with John Palminteri
Photos and Stories by John Palminteri, Special to VOICE
Santa Ynez Rodeo Returns
SOME OF THE TOP RODEO PERFORMERS in the country were in Santa Ynez this weekend for the Old Santa Ynez Days parade and a two day rodeo event.
Toward a Cleaner Ocean and Beach
THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR OLD OIL PIPELINES off the Carpinteria coast line. Residents look forward to the removal of the facilities and everything that is connecting them that’s no longer in use.
San Marcos Road Fire
A TWO ACRE FIRE BROKE OUT and power was knocked out on lower San Marcos Road near Goleta Thursday evening about 7:45pm. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department was quick to the scene to stop the flames in a very high fire zone near Tucker’s Grove. Power was out to about 1000 customers. Santa Barbara Sheriff’s deputies, CHP, and Edison were on the scene.
Richard Block Conservation Hub opens with New Exhibitions at SB Zoo
The Hub is an all-ages interactive learning space. There will be researchers and educators there daily near displays, along with actual equipment that is used in both field work and inside habitats.
Pointe Market Opens on Storke Road
NASCAR & The Navy
THE NEWEST POINT MARKET is now open in Goleta at 370 Storke Rd. at the Fuel Depot and Car Wash location. (The Drive-Thru opens soon.) The store is celebrating with many free perks and it is loaded with local food and drink products along with major brands.
NASCAR AND THE NAVY had a unique collaboration this weekend at Naval Air Base on Coronado Island, San Diego. Thousands of fans, many first timers, came out to see three races and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Navy. It was two years in the making. 23-year old Corey Heim won the Sunday race.
Amazing hospitality by everyone from our Navy, the NASCAR team, and the City of Coronado.
John Palminteri is a veteran news reporter and anchor for Newschannel 3-12 TV and both KJEE and KCLU radio in Santa Barbara/Santa Maria/Ventura. Off the air, he’s often bringing his smile and positive energy to the microphone at fundraisers and civic events. John’s social media presence has one of the largest followings in Santa Barbara, and this page has the weekly highlights. Twitter: @JohnPalminteri • Instagram: @JohnPalminteriNews www.facebook.com/john.palminteri.5
THE WESTERN SNOWY PLOVER AND THE SOUTHERN SEA OTTER are now featured in the newly designed Richard Block Conservation Hub at the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Photo Ray Navarro, Elijah Raymond
How loneliness became major public health issue
U.K., U.S. experts trace rise in awareness through research, political involvement, pandemic
By Alvin Powell, Harvard Staff Writer June 3, 2026
ONE OF THE FIRST NATIONAL EFFORTS TO COMBAT LONELINESS as a societal health problem fizzled after the pandemic amid economic slowdown and political polarization. But the initiative also raised awareness sufficiently that is still recognized as a public health problem today.
“It started well, but I think it’s fair to say that COVID put a bit of a spanner in the works,” said Tracey Crouch, former United Kingdom minister for loneliness, of her nation’s efforts. “I do think there’s still a real drive from policymakers around the world to recognize the issue of loneliness, recognize the health impact, social impact of loneliness, and try to tackle it in their own unique ways.”
Experts from the U.K. and the U.S. agreed with that assessment at an event Tuesday hosted by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. Acknowledgment of the depth and breadth of the issue in the U.S. got a major boost during the pandemic, but efforts in U.K. began earlier.
Alex Smith, a Shorenstein fellow and author of a recent report on the U.K.’s efforts to address loneliness, said globally the problem has been made worse by increased social change toward individualism, fostered by the development of smartphones and social media.
In the U.K., the response to the problem was ignited by academic research highlighting loneliness’s impact, which created a ripple effect across society and drew the attention of Member of Parliament Jo Cox after her 2015 election.
Philanthropy became interested and started to invest in the matter, and community programs began to show impacts that encouraged others to get involved.
Cox helped press the issue among U.K. political leaders. Her murder in 2016 as she walked to a constituent meeting caused an outpouring of grief and further energized efforts.
“Jo knew that while loneliness is a deeply personal and subjective emotion, its drivers and solutions were really everyone’s business, and there are solutions,” said Olivia Field, chief executive of U.K.-based Jo Cox Foundation. “Her legacy ultimately shattered the myth that it only affects older people and proved that it impacts people of all ages and all backgrounds. She refused to accept living in a lonely country.”
The surge following Cox’s death was driven by nonprofit organizations and governmental cross-party collaboration, which resulted in the completion of the work of the commission on loneliness, which Cox started. By 2017 the narrative had shifted to highlight that many people are affected by loneliness, making it less hidden and an open public health priority.
The next phase, Field said, was a unified call to action that included creation of the world’s first minister for loneliness, along with a national strategy, government funding, and a commitment to more research.
An important characteristic, Field said, was that the issue was a “blank canvas” politically in the U.K. That meant there was no institutional defensiveness to overcome and that working across party lines was easier.
“The winning formula included robust evidence alongside powerful storytelling,” Field said. “We used the hard data that had been collected for a couple of decades or longer to demonstrate the scale of the problem and its impact. We
did that alongside human stories that made it relatable and undeniable. The sector consensus was absolutely critical, so we spoke with one unified voice.”
The health impacts of loneliness were recognized as important in the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, when isolation and social distancing were key responses, said Smith, who is also founder of the Cares Family charities in the U.K. But the energy around the issue waned as the pandemic wore on.
The post-pandemic economic crisis, marked in the U.S. by the ending of government pandemic stimulus programs and beginning of high inflation, refocused public attention, as did other crises with global ramifications, such as the Ukraine War and increasing political polarization.
“There’s not much you can say was good [that] happened in COVID, but one thing that did happen was that the stigma around loneliness was reduced,” Crouch said. “People began to understand that it was a real feeling. Things could have been done differently but at least people were now talking about it.”
Trey Leveque, former engagement chief of staff to Murthy, said the advisory grew out of Murthy’s belief that isolation and loneliness are not fringe issues but global ones. Loneliness, Murthy felt, highlights broad problems of social connection in the same way that rising hunger highlights poverty and other major social problems.
“The evidence and research became impossible to ignore,” Leveque said. “Researchers were increasingly demonstrating that social connection and disconnection affect not only emotional well-being but physical health, mental health, emotional outcomes, workplace performance, even civic participation. What has long been considered a private struggle in so many situations and scenarios had started to become recognized as a public health issue, which led to the report that Dr. Murthy put out in 2023.”
Though public attention and political intention have both become fragmented in the years since, panelists agreed that the issue remains potent.
“There’s not much you can say was good [that] happened in COVID, but one thing that did happen was that the stigma around loneliness was reduced.”
– Tracey Crouch
In the U.S., a high point in the fight against loneliness occurred in 2023, when then-U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory about the ill health effects of loneliness.
Titled Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community [https://shorturl.at/I8Hne], the publication drew wide attention to the issue.
Cultural shifts are continuing to occur, with Asian societies seeing a shift toward individualism and the declining pull of the central family that has been seen in other societies. Artificial intelligence has spread rapidly in recent years and may impact the issue in ways still unknown. An important date in the U.K. comes June 16, when the 10th anniversary of Cox’s death is likely to draw new attention to the issue.
“I’m hopeful that some of the same actors and a new generation of actors will see — particularly with the arrival of artificial intelligence, which is going to change again how we interact — that how we interact with one another and our communities is a fundamental part of what it means to be human,” Smith said.
Printed with permission: Harvard Gazette online article, June 3, 2026
Trey Leveque (clockwise from top left), Liz Schwartz (moderator), Olivia Field, Tracey Crouch, and Alex Smith speak during the webinar.
Photo by Stephanie Mitchell
/Harvard Staff Photographer
Art Venues
10 West Gallery • Earthly Elements through July • 10 W Anapamu • 11-5 We-Mo • 805-770-7711 • 10westgallery.com
Architectural Fdn Gallery • Jacqueline Woods : How Forever Works, through Aug 15 • 229 E Victoria • 805-965-6307 • 1–4 some Sa & By Appt • afsb.org
Arrediamo Fine Art & Traditional Rugs Gallery • 911.5 State St • arrediamo.com
Art & Soul Gallery • Lucia De Miguel: Viridian Shores through July 19 • 1323 State St • artandsoulsb.com
Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UCSB • Closed through Aug 26 • museum.ucsb.edu
Art From Scrap • Explore Ecology • exploreecology.org
ArtLabbé Gallery • Free art, music, & exercise classes to our individuals with special needs & family members • Tu, We, Th, Sun 12-5:30; Fr 12-5 • 111 Santa Barbara St, #H • artlabbe.org
Atkinson Gallery • Tu & We 10–2
• SBCC Humanities East Campus Rm 203 • atkinsongallerysbcc.com
Bella Rosa Galleries • 1103-A State St • 11-5 daily • 805-966-1707
The Carriage and Western Art Museum • Old Spanish Days Trophy Saddles; Victoria Stables Wagon
Communities through July 20; Lulu Hyggelig: California’s First Thomas Dambo Troll • ongoing • 1511 B Mission Dr, Solvang • 11-4 Mo, Th, Fr; 11-5 Sa & Su • calnatureartmuseum.org
Casa de La Guerra • Fine Print, Hard Lines: Housing and Exclusion in Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara 1925 –2025: A Portrait in Maps; Once a Don, Always a Don • ongoing • $5/Free • 15 East De la Guerra St • 12-4 Th-Su • sbthp.org/casadelaguerra
Casa Dolores • Bandera Ware / traditional outfits ~ ongoing • 1023 Bath St • 12-4 Tu-Sa • 805-963-1032
Casa del Herrero • Gardens & House • by reservation • 1387 East Valley Rd • tours 10 & 2 We & Sa • 805-565-5653 • casadelherrero.com
Channing Peake Gallery • Scaling the Walls • 8-5 M-F • 105 E Anapamu St, 1st fl • 805-568-3994
Colette Cosentino Atelier + Gallery • 11 W Anapamu St • By Appt • colettecosentino.com
Community Arts Workshop • 631
Garden St • 10-6pm Fri & By Appt • sbcaw.org
Corridan Gallery • Summer in the Garden: Elliott Ciampi through Aug 15 • 125 N Milpas • 11-5 We-Sa • 805966-7939 • corridan-gallery.com
Cypress Gallery • Claudette
Carlton: Watercolor Works • through June 28 • 119 E Cypress Av, Lompoc • 1-4 Sa & Su • 805-737-1129 • lompocart.org
El Presidio De Santa Bárbara
• Nihonmachi Revisited; Memorias
y Facturas - ongoing • 123 E Canon Perdido St • 10:30-4:30 Daily • sbthp.org
Elverhøj Museum • Roland Petersen Undiminished: A Centennial Celebration through Aug 11 • History & Danish culture • 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang • 805-686-1211 • 11-5 Th-Mo • elverhoj.org
Faulkner Gallery • Oak Group: Preserve & Cherish through June 29 • 40 E Anapamu St • 10-7 Mo-Th; 10-5 Fri, Sa; 12-5 Sun • 805-962-7653.
Fazzino 3-D Studio Gallery • 3-D original fine art • 1011 State St • 805730-9109 • Fazzino.com
Fuzion Gallery & Boutique • Hand blown glass, 100 + artists • 1115 State St • fuzionglass.com
Gallery 113 • Members of the SB Art Assn • 1114 State St, #8, La Arcada Ct • 805-965-6611 • 11-5 Mo-Sa; 1-4 Su • gallery113sb.com
Gallery Josephine • 133 E Anapamu St • Work by Josephine Tournier Ingram • 1st Thu & By Appt
Gallery Los Olivos • Sheryl
Knight & Linda Mutti: Art from the Heart through June • Daily 10-4pm • 2920 Grand Av • 805-688-7517 • gallerylosolivos.com
Patricia Clarke Studio • An American Girl project; Primal Wild; Correspondences, Erasing Lines, and Facing Ourselves • 410 Palm Av, Carpinteria • By Appt • 805-452-7739 • patriciaclarkestudio.com
Peregrine Galleries • Early CA & American paintings; fine vintage jewelry • 1133 Coast Village Rd • 805252-9659 • @peregrinegalleries
Pippin • La Aracada’s newest art, antiques, boutique • 1114 State #24.
Portico Gallery • Jordan Pope & Gallery Artists • Open Daily • 1235 Coast Village Rd • 805-729-8454 • porticofinearts.com
REH Contemporary • 12 W Anapamu • Studio of Ruth Ellen Hoag and gallery for local artists • 805-6890858 • RuthEllenHoag.com
Santa Barbara Art Works • Arts Education for All • 28 E Victoria St • 805-260-6705 • M-F 8:30-4:30 • sbartworks.org
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden • 1212 Mission Canyon Rd • 10-5 daily • 805-682-4726 • sbbg.org
Santa Barbara City Hall Gallery
• Scaling The Walls • featuring Arts Alliance members • 735 Anacapa St.
Santa Barbara Fine Art • Places from the Heart • Landscapes & sculptor Bud Bottoms • 1321 State St • 1-6 We-Sa & By Appt • 805-845-4270 • santabarbarafineart.com
Santa Barbara Historical Museum • The Gift; Ludmilla Pila Welch: Serene Santa Barbara through June; Edward Borein Gallery, and The Story of Santa Barbara ~ ongoing • 136 E De la Guerra • 12-5 We, Fri-Su; 12-7 Th • 805-966-1601 • sbhistorical.org
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum • Aquean through Jul 26 • The Chumash, Whaling, Commercial Diving, Surfing, Shipwrecks, First Order Fresnel Lens, and SB Lighthouse Women Keepers ~ Ongoing • 113 Harbor Wy, Ste 190 • 10-5 Daily • 805962-8404 • SBMM.org
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art • Remixed: Entwined Histories & New Forms, through Aug 30; RandomAccess Memory: Internet Art, through Sep 27; As if in a Dream: History, Fantasy, Future: through Jan 3 • 11-5 Tu-Su; 5-8 1st Th free; 2nd Sun free TriCo residents • 805-963-4364 • sbma.net
Art Venues
Santa Barbara Museum Of Natural History • Butterflies Alive! through September; The Living Print through Nov 8; Chumash Basketry: Art & Life through Nov 30 • 2559
Puesta del Sol • 10-5 We-Mo • sbnature.org
Santa Barbara Sea Center • Dive In: Our Changing Channel ~ Ongoing • 211 Stearns Wharf • 10-5 Daily • 805-682-4711 • sbnature.org
Santa Barbara Tennis Club - 2nd Fridays
Art • Splash, awards juried by Melinda Mettler through July 30 • 2375 Foothill Rd • 10-6 Daily • 805-682-4722 • 2ndfridaysart.com
Santa Ynez Chumash Museum • Chumash Culture and Arts & Between the Three Worlds: Ceremony and Community in the Paintings of Christopher Evans • 3500 Numancia St, SY • Thu-Sun 10-5pm • sychumashmuseum.org
Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum • 3596 Sagunto St • 12-4pm We-Su • santaynezmuseum.org
Sahyun Genealogical Library • Research family history • 316 Castillo St • Tue/Thu 10-4; Sun & 3rd Sat 1-4 • SBGen.org
Seimandi & Leprieur • Hunt Slonem: a leading figure of American Neo-Expressionism; Year One: Group Show • Jul 2 through Aug • 33 W Anapamu St. • Wed-Sat 11-6 • 805-610-1203 • seimandileprieur.com
Stewart Fine Art • Early CA Plein Air
Paintings + European Fine Art + Antiques • 539 San Ysidro Rd • 11-5:30 Mo-Sa • 805-845-0255
Sullivan Goss • The Art of Collecting; Summer Salon through Jul 27; Nicole Strasburg: The Whole is Greater June 26-Aug 24 • 11 E Anapamu St • 10-5:30 daily • 805-730-1460 • sullivangoss.com
Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum • 122 W Canon Perdido • 11-4 Fr-Sa; Su-Th by appt • quinlanmuseum.com • 805-687-4623
SYV Historical Museum & Carriage House • Art of The Western Saddle • ongoing • 3596 Sagunto St, SY • 12-4 Sa, Su • 805-6887889 • santaynezmuseum.org
Tamsen Gallery • Before they were Legends through Sep 17 • 1309 State St • 12-5 We-Su • 805-705-2208 • tamsengallery.com
UCSB Library Ocean Gallery • Creating Community Through Books: 20 Years of UCSB Reads through Jan 2027 • library.ucsb.edu
Voice Gallery • SummerDance through June; Santa Barbara Art Association: Collective Visions through July • La Cumbre Plaza H-124 • 10-5:30 M-F; 1-5 Sa-Sun • 805-965-6448
Waterhouse Gallery Montecito • Notable CA & National Artists • 1187 Coast Village Rd • 11-5 Mo-Su • 805-962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com
Waterhouse Gallery SB • Notable CA & National Artists • La Arcada Ct, 1114 State St, #9 • 11-5 Mo-Sa • 805-962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com
Art Events
1st Thursday • Art venues open late for a cultural night out. See pages 16 & 17 for complete listing • 5-8pm Thu, 7/2.
Creative Arts Market • Pottery, beach art, cards, jewelry, sewn articles • 8th St & Linden Av • Free • 2:30pm-6pm Thu.
SBIFF’S Film Center Gallery Named The Naomi and Ben Bollag Gallery
New Exhibit will Highlight The Work of Barbara Boros
THE FILM-THEMED ART GALLERY IN THE NEW MCHURLEY FILM CENTER is now named The Naomi and Ben Bollag Gallery in honor of a cornerstone gift from Ben Bollag, The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) announced on Wednesday.
Naomi and Ben Bollag have been residents of Santa Barbara for the past 35 years, following earlier years in Switzerland, New York, and Hawaii. Ben enjoyed a distinguished career in investment banking, specializing in the metals and minerals industry, while Naomi was an accomplished artist whose creativity, aesthetic vision, and love of beauty enriched both her family and the broader community.
Westmont RidleyTree Museum Of Art
• Recent Acquisitions • Some weekdays 10-4 during the summer • westmont.edu/museum
The Yes Store • Art by Local Artists • 1015 State St • M-F: 11am6pm; Sa:10:30am-6pm; Su: 10:30am-5pm • theyesstore.com
SB Arts & Crafts Show • Local artists & artisans • Free • 236 E Cabrillo Blvd • 10am5pm Sun.
Open Call For Artists • IHC Platform Gallery, under the theme: Bodies Politic • For complete series description visit ihc.ucsb. edu/platformgallery/ • Submissions may be emailed to ihcucsb@gmail.com by We, 8/17.
International Film Festival.
Born in Amarillo, Texas, Barbara spent her youth riding horses, and her love of animals was a passion that is reflected in much of her original art. Painting and drawing from a young age, she earned a BFA from University of North Texas Denton, and a degree in graphic design from Colorado Institute of Art. Upon relocating to Santa Barbara, she established her graphic design business and blended her natural painting abilities with her commercial design skills to create a successful career.
Throughout their lives together, Naomi and Ben were deeply committed to philanthropic endeavors, supporting numerous charitable, educational, healthcare, cultural, and community initiatives both locally and internationally.
Prior to her passing in May 2025, Naomi was deeply committed to the revitalization and continued growth of downtown Santa Barbara. Her vision, generosity, and community spirit continue to inspire this gift and its intended impact on the city she loved.
The new exhibit opening July 1st will highlight the work of graphic designer Barbara Boros, who designed 18 posters and the iconic logo for the Santa Barbara
“Though her roots were from Texas, Santa Barbara was her true home, shared AJ Woronovich, son of Barbara Boros. “The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has always been a staple of this community, and she took a lot of pride in designing the poster. I was fortunate to watch her work evolve and grow with the festival since 2004. Designing her final poster from her hospital bed in 2021 was an inspiration, and a real testament to her strength, her passion, and her love for Santa Barbara. I hope all viewers of this installation can pause and appreciate the beauty she contributed to the community over the years.”
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema.
Barbara Boros
Photo courtesy of SBIFF
Annual Summer Solstice parade marches down Santa Barbara street, drawing
thousands
People of all ages came to the parade before heading over to Alameda Park to see live performances and local vendors.
By Viviana Ruiz, Santa Barbara News-Press, 6.21.26
TENS-OF-THOUSANDS OF
PEOPLE packed downtown Santa Barbara on Saturday to dance, twirl, and celebrate Summer Solstice.
Confetti, bubbles, floats, and vibrant colors were everywhere at the 52nd Summer Solstice parade, which began at the corner of Ortega and Santa Barbara streets.
IMMIGRATION
After
This year’s theme was the “Wave.”
Parade participants walked Santa Barbara street in bright costumes, while attendees could be seen with joyous smiles. Bubbles and music were prominent in the area, with many paradegoers joining the parade to dance, bringing everyone together.
Summer Solstice began in 1974 as a birthday celebration for popular artist and mime, Michael Gonzales.
It emerged as a giant party festival for the entire Santa Barbara Community.
The parade concluded at Alameda Park, where people had the chance to listen to free musical performances, dance on designated dance floors, eat at food booths, and see local
News-Press investigation, sheriff changing policy, but says ICE arrests at jails will continue
By Lillian Perlmutter, Santa Barbara News-Press, 6.23.26
AMID ONGOING IMMIGRATION ARRESTS at county jails, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has changed one jail protocol, and is open to another policy change in response to questions raised by a News-Press investigation, Sheriff Bill Brown told county supervisors Tuesday.
At the same, Brown insisted his office
County forum on ICE arrests
• Sheriff Bill Brown defends ICE cooperation to county supervisors.
• Says he won’t count or monitor federal arrests in jail lobbies or parking lots.
• He acknowledges News-Press reporting about one man arrested in jail lobby, says he has changed procedures.
• Offers a plan to inform defense attorneys when ICE inquires about people in custody.
will not count or attempt to monitor federal arrests in its jail lobbies or parking lots, and that he plans to continue honoring ICE’s requests to transfer inmates through official channels, as long as they comply with legal restrictions.
Brown acknowledged that a man interviewed for the News-Press investigation was released without staff ensuring he was fitted with a courtordered electronic monitoring device — and was immediately arrested by ICE agents in the jail lobby. Brown said he has now changed the system for those devices after reviewing the case. And he said he is open to a system to notify defense attorneys of possible pending ICE arrests.
The sheriff’s office reported to state officials that it officially transferred 12 people to ICE last year, and had handed over an additional 33 inmates after ICE agents presented judicial warrants. A News-Press investigation published in April found that immigration agents labeled at least 99 arrests as occurring at Santa Barbara County jails in 2025,
according to federal data obtained through public records requests.
On Tuesday, Brown acknowledged the large number of additional arrests saying, “Sometimes it is obvious that ICE is awaiting the release of a certain person.” He said those arrests happen in non-secure areas that are open to the
public, like lobbies and parking lots. He said attempting to track such “peripheral arrests” would be burdensome given the current extent of his office’s resources, and he has no plans to monitor them.
Via Santa Barbara County
Photos by Viviana Ruiz/ Santa Barbara News-Press
Photos by Viviana Ruiz/ Santa Barbara News-Press
Sheriff Bill Brown addresses county supervisors at a forum on ICE arrests, Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Dancers illuminate the 52nd Summer Solstice parade with their colorful costumes on June 20th.
La Boheme dancers make their way down Santa Barbara street during the Summer Solstice parade. They had 150 dancers in attendance.
Photo by Santa Barbara News-Press
Parade participants look at the crowd behind them as the Summer Solstice parade finishes at Alameda Park.
Featured Artists – Sheryl Knight & Linda Mutti “Art From the Heart”
Both Artists Will Do A Painting Demo: Saturday, June 13 / 11 to 2
Fine Art Destination Since 1992
Fine Art Destination Since 1992
Exhibiting work by over 50 Regional Artists with a stunning selection of media, styles and subjects
Exhibiting work by over 50 Regional Artists with a stunning selection of media, styles and subjects
Come Visit and Let Our Art Inspire You!
Come Visit and Let Our Art Inspire You!
Families attend Santa Barbara’s 9th annual Juneteenth celebration in Plaza del Mar Park
The celebration, themed “Love for the People,” featured artist performances and booths highlighting nonprofit organizations and local businesses
By Amanda Velasco, Santa Barbara News-Press, 6.19.26
FAMILIES, MUSIC AND BLACKOWNED BUSINESSES filled Plaza del Mar Park on Friday for Santa Barbara’s annual Juneteenth celebration.
Juneteenth recognizes the end of slavery in the United States, when the
than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
The 9th annual event, organized by Juneteenth Santa Barbara, was themed “Love for the People.”
Lelia Richardson, a speaker for the event, opened the Juneteenth celebration with a community blessing, calling on attendees to remember their ancestors. People echoed names such as author Teresa Washington, as well as abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman.
The event was meant to serve as a visible reminder of Black history in Santa Barbara, said Simone Ruskamp, the cofounder of Juneteenth Santa Barbara.
gathering of Black people, we can continue to have conversations every year about what more is needed for Black people to actually live and experience full freedom,” she said.
Juneteenth Santa Barbara has come a long way since its founding—when it began as a simple cookout in El Centro, Ruskamp said.
Jordan Killebrew, the co-founder of Juneteenth Santa Barbara, said the event aimed to raise awareness about the federal holiday and foster local connections among Black people living in Santa Barbara.
President Joe Biden designated Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021, and the California State Legislature recognized it as a state day of observance in 2003.
The event offered a variety of booths—including nonprofit advocacy organizations, healthcare resources and free face painting—for attendees to explore, Killebrew said. Vendors also showcased cultural clothing, wellness products and artwork at the Black Artisan Market.
Attendee Erica Martin, who traveled to the event from Los Angeles, said it allowed her to acknowledge her heritage and ancestors, who paved the way for her success. She said that she appreciates
when people, regardless of their background, celebrate Black culture.
“It’s a beautiful day of community and people coming together and rallying to do something positive,” Martin said.
Juneteenth Santa Barbara has organized several types of initiatives throughout the years, including block parties and library events, but Killebrew said he sees Plaza del Mar Park as the annual event’s “permanent home.”
“There’s still deep racism here in this community,” Killebrew said. “That’s why we are so adamant about having events like this and showing out and being in the public, so that people see that we have a long way to go, and that we want to be a part of the education and joy to get us there.”
DJ Rastan, Jazmyn J & Faith K, Cherose, DomJess & The Vibe, EvoLuciane, P$ Experience and The New Vibe performed throughout the celebration, which ran from 11am to 6pm.
Photo by Amanda Velasco/ Santa Barbara News-Press
Cherose strums her guitar. The Juneteenth event, which recognized the end of slavery in the United States, ran from 11am to 6pm.
